employee handbook - village podiatry centers...village podiatry centers advanced vascular resources...
TRANSCRIPT
And Associated Entities
Employee
Handbook
Released: April 2012
Revised: July 2014
2014 EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK
- 2 - | P a g e
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Extremity Healthcare, Inc., (EHI) its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively, the “Company”).
We are pleased that you made the choice to join our dedicated group of individuals striving to deliver the
best in advanced and integrated medical care.
There are many factors that drive the success of the Company, but none more important than the talents
and professionalism of our staff. Within the work environment, we hope to provide you with the
atmosphere that will enable you to excel and perform at your best. You are encouraged to take an active
role in your own development within the Company by learning more about our various services and
divisions. There are many ways that you can contribute to our success from your role whether on the
support services center side or one of our treatment locations.
The Company is committed to its core values: CLASS.
C – Caring: We are Caring toward others from our patients to our team members. We also consider individual needs and
the entire Company when making decisions.
L – Learning: We are committed to Learning, from on-going training to continuous improvement, we want to grow and
get better.
A – Accountability: We believe in Accountability and take appropriate responsibility for our actions.
S – Stewardship: We value Stewardship and use our resources as efficiently as we can. We understand it is often more
effective to take the time to plan and get the best value, rather than just go with who we know or what appears to be the
easiest solution.
S – Serving: At the heart of our mission is Serving others. Think about how you would like a loved one treated and extend
like care to those around you.
We have been successful in the past because of the contributions of talented people like you. Our
leadership team is committed to expanding the opportunities for growth, individual fulfillment and
continued business success in the marketplace. We need your help in achieving these goals.
I look forward to working with you!
Sincerely,
Dr. David Helfman, CEO
- 3 - | P a g e
COMPANY FACTS
Extremity Healthcare, Inc. (EHI), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, was created on January 1,
2011 by the founding shareholders of the Company. EHI serves as a holding and management
services company supporting multiple medical disciplines in the delivery of comprehensive
treatment and diagnostics for anatomical extremities. The organization’s primary goal is to
provide the most advanced, integrated medical care with the highest level of economic efficiency.
In EHI’s function as a holding company, it provides long-range strategic planning for multiple
medical disciplines while driving organic growth initiatives. As a management services company,
EHI provides a full suite of shared solutions. Services provided include scheduling and insurance
verifications, billing and collections, insurance carrier negotiation, compliance, tax, legal, human
resources, marketing and operation planning.
In providing clinical services, EHI has numerous owned and managed divisions that include
ambulatory surgery centers, extremity MRI centers, pathology labs, podiatry clinics, laser services,
and a vascular and compounding lab. We encourage you to find out more about EHI and our
rapidly expanding portfolio of services by visiting the following websites:
Extremity Healthcare Incorporated www.extremityhealthcare.com
Pathology Lab of Georgia www.pathlabgeorgia.com
Village Podiatry Centers www.villagepodiatrycenters.com
Advanced Vascular Resources of Atlanta, LLC www.avrvascular.com
American Pharmacy Solutions, LLC www.ecompoundingpharmacy.com
- 4 - | P a g e
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Equal Opportunity Employer………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8 Non-Discrimination against the Disabled………………………………………………………………………… 9 Commitment to Workplace Diversity………………………………………………………………………………. 9
Chapter 2 – Recruiting and Selection Employment Application………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11 Applicant/Employee Background and Security Checks…………………………………………………….. 11
Employee Referral Policy………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11 Hiring Relatives ……………………………………………………………………………..………………………………. 11 Proof of U.S. Citizenship and/or Right to Work/Immigration Compensation………............... 12
Employment Categories ………………………………………………………………………………….................. 12 Orientation Period …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13 Transfers or Promotions………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14 Performance Standards ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14
Chapter 3 – Pay Information Pay Practices ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 17
Payroll Deductions……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 17 Annual Salary Administration …………………………………………………………………………………………. 18 Wage Garnishments ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 19 Keeping our Records Current ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 19
Unemployment Compensation………………………………………………………………………..……………… 19 Chapter 4 – Benefits
Company Paid Holidays …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 21 Bereavement Leave ………………………………………………………….………………..…………………………… 21 Jury Duty ………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………. 21 Group Health Insurance ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 21
Retirement Accounts ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 22 Paid Days OFF (PDO) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 22 Business Hours ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 24 Lunch Periods and Breaks ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 24
Chapter 5 – Time, Attendance, and Leave Management Attendance ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 26 Reporting Absences ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 26 Timekeeping …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 27 Leave of Absence …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 28
Overtime …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 29 Workers Compensation …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 29
Chapter 6 – Office Practices Open Door Policy …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 31 Employee Suggestions …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 31 Training Records ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 31 Patient Service ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 31
Personal Development ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 32
- 6 - | P a g e
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Performance Evaluations ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 32 Access to Personnel Files………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 33 No Solicitation/No Distribution of Literature …………………………………………………………………... 33 Vendor/Gift Policy ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 33 Personal Appearance ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 33 Inquiries Regarding employees …………………………………………………………………………………………. 34 Harassment ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 34 Visitors to our facilities ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 34 Outside Employment/Contracting …………………………………………………………………………………….. 35 Severe Weather …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 35 Securing Company Property ………………………………………………………………………......................... 36 Non-Smoking Work Environment ……………………………………………………………….…………………….. 36 Securing Personal Property ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 36 Telephone Use and Voice Mail ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 36 Workplace Monitoring ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 37 Confidential Information ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 37 Computer Policy ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 38 E-mail Usage Policy …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 38 Care of Company Equipment & Supplies ……………………………………………………………………………. 38 Operating Vehicles in the Course of Conducting Work ………………………………………………………. .39 Workplace Violence Prevention Policy ………………………………………………………………………………. 39 Unacceptable Work Activities ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 40 Progressive Discipline ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..... 42 Privacy …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... 44 Mileage Reimbursement…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 45 Travel Expense………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 47 Religious Accommodation………………………………………………………………………………………………... . 48 Company Property/Premises ………………………………………………………………………....................... 48
Termination of Employment …………………………………………………………………………..................... 48 Chapter 7 – Exhibits
Exhibit “A” – Harassment Awareness Policy…………………………………………………………………….. 51 Exhibit “B” – Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) …........................ 55 Exhibit “C” – Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)……………………………………………………………….. 57 Exhibit “D” – Break Time for Nursing Mothers Policy ………………………………………………………. 60 Exhibit “E” – Military Leave………………………………………………………………………….………………….. 61 Exhibit “F” – Drug-Free Workplace Policy …………………………………………………..………………….. 65 Exhibit “G” – Social Media Policy …………………………………………………….……………………………… 74 Exhibit “H” – Conflict of Interest……………………………………………………………………………………… 76 Receipt of Employee Handbook …………………………………………………………………………………….. 78
- 6 - | P a g e
Purpose of this Handbook
This Employee Handbook (the “Handbook”) was designed to make you aware of the general
policies and procedures of the Company. While this Handbook contains general information
related to various policies, guidelines and benefits, it is not intended to be comprehensive or to
address all of the possible application of, or exceptions described herein. Instead, it is intended to
be supplemented by each employee’s common sense and professional training. Following the
policies described in this Handbook is considered a condition of continued employment, however,
nothing in this Handbook alters an employee’s at will status. Changes may occur in policies and
practices and we will make every effort to keep you informed of those changes as they occur.
Updated versions of this handbook are available through Human Resources and/or on our website.
This Handbook is intended to be used as a guide and is for informational
purpose only. Its provisions are not conditions of employment and may be
modified (in whole or in part), departed from, revoked or changed at any time
with or without notice by the Company. Nothing in this Handbook is intended
to create nor is it to be construed to constitute a contract of employment
between employee and the Company.
If you have any questions regarding this material, please see your supervisor, department head, or
a member of the Human Resources Department (hereinafter referred to as “HR’ or the “HR
Department”).
Thank you for taking the time to read and understand the provisions of this Handbook. You will
be required to execute the Acknowledgement Form found at the end of this Handbook indicating
that you have received this Handbook.
At Will Employment
Unless otherwise defined by applicable law, any employment relationship with the Company is of
an “at will” nature, which means that employment is for no definite term. You may resign at any
time, and the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause. This
“at will” employment relationship may not be changed or modified by any verbal statement, written
document, or by conduct unless expressly authorized by the CEO of Extremity Healthcare, Inc.,
specifically acknowledging such change in writing.
7 | P a g e
Chapter 1
Introduction
8 | P a g e
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
Equal Opportunity Employer
We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees without regard to race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship,
disability or handicap, genetic information, military service or veteran status, or any other protected
category in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
In addition, the Company complies with all state and local laws, regulations and ordinances
governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the Company has facilities
and/or employees. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not
limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence,
compensation, and training.
Company Efforts to Provide Equal-Employment Opportunities Include:
recruiting, employing, training, compensating and promoting individuals for all job
classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital
status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, disability or handicap, genetic
information, military service or veteran status, or any other protected category;
basing employment decisions solely upon an individual’s qualifications for the position
being filled;
making promotion decisions based on an individual’s job performance, experience,
abilities, skills, and interests compared to the specific requirements of the position being
filled;
administering other personnel actions and programs such as compensation, benefits,
transfers, recruitment, discipline, terminations, Company-sponsored training, and social
and recreational programs in a non-discriminatory manner;
encouraging employees to participate in developmental programs through applicable
Company-sponsored professional development programs and workshops;
providing reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable laws to promote the full
employment of individuals with disabilities so that qualified individuals with a disability
or handicap can participate in the employment application process, as well as the
Company’s training and education courses and programs, and perform their essential job
functions;
9 | P a g e
Equal Opportunity Employer Continued…
communicating to all supervisors that equal opportunity employment is as essential part of
their responsibilities;
ensuring that all personnel understand that offering equal opportunity for all is not only a
requirement of the law, but also a goal which the Company wholeheartedly embraces;
creating a discrimination-free environment in which all employees can work without fear
of intimidation or harassment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin,
age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, disability or handicap,
genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by
applicable federal, state or local law; and
addressing and resolving complaints quickly and fairly.
Non-Discrimination against the Disabled Our Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) policy, among other things, prohibits any form of
discrimination against persons with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
(“ADA”), as amended by the ADAAA, prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in
hiring, as well as in all terms and conditions of employment, and requires reasonable
accommodations as appropriate. We strive to work closely with disabled applicants and employees
to find accommodations that will enable them to work productively, provided that the requested
accommodations do not cause undue hardship to the Company. We encourage disabled applicants
and employees to tell us about any disability requiring accommodation so that we can work together
to find a way for them to work productively and safely.
Commitment to Workforce Diversity
We are committed to developing and cultivating a workforce that represents individuals from all
backgrounds, cultures and walks of life. We believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce,
strengthening our Company by:
encouraging the exchange of diverse ideas, perspectives, and solutions;
maximizing the potential of all our employees, thereby increasing productivity; and
enhancing our ability to attract and provide excellent service to our patients.
The Company is also committed to:
examining business decisions, standards, and programs in light of its commitment to
diversity, and removing barriers to a diverse workforce;
training managers on our diversity policy and aspects of developing and cultivating a
diverse workforce; and
effectively recruiting, hiring, promoting, and developing a workforce of diverse qualified
individuals. Our goal is to develop a workforce that recognizes and values differences.
10 | P a g e
Chapter 2
Recruiting and Selection
11 | P a g e
CHAPTER 2 – RECRUITING AND SELECTION
Employment Applications
We rely upon the accuracy of information contained in the employment application, as well as the
accuracy of other data presented throughout the hiring process and employment. Any
misrepresentations, falsifications, or material omissions in any of this information or data may
result in the exclusion of the individual from further consideration for employment, or if the person
has been hired, termination of employment.
Applicant/Employee Background Checks
We conduct pre-employment background checks and pre-employment drug screens on all potential
new hires, and may also conduct background checks for existing employees. In compliance with
the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), we will obtain written authorization before requesting
information from a consumer reporting agency. Offers of employment are conditioned upon the
results of an acceptable background check and pre-employment drug screen.
Employee Referral Policy
We encourage existing employees to refer qualified candidates for employment. By hiring the best
candidate available for all openings, we will build an effective workplace that affords everyone a
better place to work. The quality of our staff directly impacts the quantity of patients we serve, the
efficiency of the work we produce, and ultimately the health and well-being of the Company.
Employees who refer a Non-Exempt employee will receive One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00)
after the employees has worked for three (3) consecutive months. Employees who refer an
“Exempt” employee will receive Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) after the employee has worked
for three (3) consecutive months. The referring employee must be employed at the time of the
bonus and must be in good standing. The referred employee must list the referring employee on
the employment application to qualify.
Hiring Relatives
We are committed to maintaining a work environment free from favoritism and conflicts of interest,
whether actual or perceived. We permit the employment of qualified relatives of employees, as
long as such employment does not, in the opinion of the Company, create actual or perceived
conflicts of interest. Additionally, relatives of current Company employees may not be hired,
promoted or transferred into positions where:
they will be working directly for a relative;
12 | P a g e
Hiring Relatives Continued…
they will be directly supervising a relative;
an inherent or perceived conflict of interest exists;
a relative will occupy a position in the same line of authority within the organization;
and/or
a relative will have the authority to affect, review and/or approve decisions regarding the
individual’s employment.
For purposes of this policy, “relative” is defined as spouse, domestic partner, child, parent sibling,
grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, first cousin, or corresponding in-law or “step” relation. This
policy may also apply to individuals who are residing together. Employees who marry or enter into
a domestic partnership arrangement while employed are treated in accordance with these
guidelines.
In addition, the Company recognizes that at times, you and your “significant other” may be assigned
to positions that create a co-worker or supervisor/subordinate relationship. The Company will, in
its discretion, exercise business judgment with respect to the placement of all employees in these
situations in order to avoid the creation of a conflict, or the appearance of a conflict of interest, and
avoid favoritism, or the appearance of favoritism. The Company will review any existing situations
that fall under this policy as of the date of this Handbook on a case-by-case basis, and take action
as the Company deems appropriate. You are expected to be proactive by reporting the existence
of any familial or personal relationship in the workplace to your supervisor, or Human Resources,
so that the Company can determine whether this relationship creates a business conflict of any kind.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship and/or Right to Work/Immigration Law Compliance
As an equal opportunity employer, it is the Company’s policy to employ only persons legally
entitled to work in the United States, without regard to citizenship, ethnic background or place of
national origin. To comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1996 (IRCA), every
new employee must complete and sign Federal Form I-9, or Employment Eligibility
Verification Form, within three (3) days of the date of employee’s hire. The Company does
participate in the E-Verify program as part of Federal compliance.
Employment Categories As an employee of the Company, you are classified based upon your job duties and responsibilities,
level of authority, and in compliance with applicable laws. You are classified as either exempt or
non-exempt, depending upon your role. In accordance with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act
(“FLSA”), the Company has established two classifications of employment.
13 | P a g e
Employment Categories Continued…
Exempt Employees: Generally includes executive, administrative, professional and outside
sales staff whose positions meet specific tests established by the FLSA.
Non-exempt Employees: Includes all employees who do not meet the exemption test of
the FLSA, or applicable state overtime laws, and are, consequently, eligible for overtime
pay for all hours worked in excess of forty (40) hours per week.
Within these classifications, there are three (3) employee categories:
Full-Time Regular: Employees who work a full-time schedule; the total number of hours
in full-time schedule may vary depending upon the work location and position. Full-Time
Regular employees are eligible for our fringe benefits package in accordance with their
position and length of employment.
Part-Time Regular: Employees who work less than thirty (30) hours per week and are
not eligible for fringe benefits.
Temporary: Employees hired to perform various short term projects or special programs
of a temporary nature, as well as those hired to work on an occasional or irregular basis.
Independent contractors or individuals engaged through a temporary or other agency are not
considered employees of the Company.
Note: To be considered Group benefits eligible (medical, dental coverage), an employee must
work a minimum of thirty (30) hours a week. Employees who are PRNs or considered “as-needed”
in surgical centers are excluded from these benefits.
Orientation Period At-will employment continues after the orientation period for the entire duration of employment.
The orientation period is intended to give new associates the opportunity to demonstrate their ability
to achieve a satisfactory level of performance, and to determine whether the new position meets
their expectations. The Company uses this period to evaluate associate capabilities, work habits,
and overall performance. The orientation period for all new hire employees is ninety (90) days
from date of hire. During this time either the associate or the Company may end the employment
relationship at will at any time during the orientation period, with or without cause, or advance
notice.
14 | P a g e
Transfers or Promotions
Any employee who is interested in a promotional or transfer opportunity must be in their current
role for a minimum of four (4) months. The employee must have no attendance issues or current
disciplinary action within the last four (4) months. Associates who are promoted or transferred
within the Company must complete a secondary orientation period of the same length with each
reassignment to a new position. Any absence greater than five (5) business days will automatically
extend an orientation period by the length of the absence.
If the Company determines that the designated orientation period does not allow sufficient time to
thoroughly evaluate the associate's performance, the orientation period may be extended.
In cases of promotions or transfers within the Company, an associate who, in the sole judgment of
management, is not successful in the new position, can be removed from that position at any time
during the secondary orientation period. If this occurs, the associate may apply for his or her former
job, or apply to a comparable job for which the associate is qualified, depending on the availability
of such positions, and the Company's needs. Upon satisfactory completion of the initial orientation
period, associates enter the "regular" employment classification.
During the initial orientation period, new associates are eligible for those benefits that are required
by law, such as Social Security. After becoming regular associates, they may also be eligible for
other Company-provided benefits, subject to the terms and conditions of each benefits program.
Associates should read the Benefits Section of the Handbook for each specific benefits program
details and eligibility requirements. This material is also provided during the orientation period.
Benefits eligibility and employment status are not changed during the secondary orientation period
that results from a promotion or transfer within the Company.
Performance Standards Successful completion of associate orientation is dependent upon the following standards:
1. Quality of Work
Accuracy, neatness, timeliness, attention to detail, volume/quantity requirements, adherence
to duties and procedures of job description, and work instructions.
2. Work Habits
Attendance, punctuality, does associate stay busy, looks for things to do, able to work
independently with little or no supervision, and follows procedures.
15 | P a g e
Performance Standards Continued…
3. Job Knowledge
Has the associate demonstrated the skill and ability to perform his/her job satisfactorily? Is
the associate interested in learning rules and policies of the Company? Is the associate able
to learn, adapt and efficiently use new technology?
4. Behavior/Relations with Others
Does associate cooperate and contribute to team effort, respond positively to suggestions,
instructions or criticism, keep supervisors informed of important details, and adapt well to
changing circumstances?
5. Overall Progress
Is associate learning and improving at a satisfactory rate? Has associate successfully
completed new associate orientation period?
16 | P a g e
Chapter 3
Pay Information
17 | P a g e
CHAPTER 3 – PAY INFORMATION
Pay Practices
Employees are paid semi-monthly – usually on the fifteenth (15th) and last day of every month
(unless changed due to a bank Holiday or other factor). The payroll week beginning and ending
dates are provided annually in a handout, and are also available on our payroll site. Effective
August 15, 2014, all hourly employees will be paid bi-weekly. Payroll dates will be posted on our
payroll site.
Auto-deposit funds are electronically deposited into designated account(s) specified by you.
You may select multiple accounts to accept funds. For example, $X can be allocated to your
savings account, $Y to your credit union, and the balance to your checking account. We strongly
encourage all employees to take advantage of this benefit, which can result in greater speed and
security, and is at no cost to you. Auto-deposit data is accessible through the payroll portal.
Company reserves the right to request all employees to accept direct deposit, or to receive
payroll on a Pay Card. See HR for more information.
Important: The Company is not responsible for funds misdirected due
to a bank error or incomplete auto-deposit information.
Live paychecks will be mailed to an employee’s home address of record. For your protection, your
check will not be given to anyone else, unless you have requested in writing for payroll to release
it to them. Please periodically check your address of record, as printed on your pay stub. In the
event that your home address should change, it is your responsibility to notify the Company of your
new address.
Important: Employees should notify the Company as soon as possible or within one week if
they notice an over or underpayment. Employee is responsible to refund any overpayments
within two (2) weeks of the request to Human Resources.
Errors will be corrected as soon as practicable, and ideally within the next pay cycle.
Payroll Deductions Payroll Deductions are made for a variety of reasons, including……
those required by law;
those which employees have requested; and
those made to correct payroll errors or make adjustments.
If there is a payroll error, in your favor or not, you should immediately bring it to the attention of
the payroll department. If you notice an overpayment, it will be the employee’s responsibility to
18 | P a g e
Payroll Deductions Continued… notify the Company and pay back the overpayment via payroll deduction. If a mistake is made
which results in overpayment, the Company will notify you in advance as to the reason for any
subsequent adjustments to correct the overpayment. Employees are responsible to verify that
accurate hours have been paid including any overtime hours within one week of receiving their
pay. All nonexempt employees must report time worked away from the office, and any overtime
must be approved in advance, including but not limited to checking email or catching up on work
items at home. E-mails should only be checked outside of normal business hours if requested by
your manager or Physician in advance due to urgency or time-sensitive matters.
Federal, State, and in some cases, other income taxes are withheld based on information you
provide us, and in accordance with standard government tables. The amounts vary with your
earnings, marital status, and the number of dependents you claim. If you want to increase or
decrease the number of dependents you claim, you can do so by completing new withholding forms
within the payroll system.
The Company deducts Social Security & Medicare taxes as required by law. Every dollar you
pay into Social Security & Medicare is matched dollar for dollar by the Company. Social Security
provides benefits for employees and their families as specified by law in the event of retirement,
hospitalization over age sixty-five (65) (Medicare), total and permanent disability before age sixty-
five (65), and death. For details, contact your local social Security Office, or visit www.ssa.gov
for an office near you.
Employee requested deductions are made typically for benefits offered through our benefits
programs, and can include deductions for group insurance for you and your dependents,
participation in the 401(k) plan, as well as other plans and programs the Company has available
through payroll deduction.
Annual Salary Administration
Your starting salary is based on the requirements of the position for which you have been hired,
and our evaluation of your relevant qualifications. You salary will be subject to future adjustments
based on many factors, including, but not limited to: your overall work performance, changes in
your responsibilities and business conditions. Our salary administration policy is based on merit,
and increases are not granted solely because of length of service. Salaries are reviewed annually,
at the beginning of each calendar year. Employees with six (6) months of service at the time of
annual review may be eligible for increases and such increases will be prorated for the first year
based on the timing of their start date into the calendar year.
19 | P a g e
Wage Garnishments Garnishments and other claims can be placed on an employee’s pay under certain Federal, State,
and Local laws. These require the Company to make deductions from your earnings, such as to
pay creditors who have been granted judgments against you. Employees are expected to keep the
payroll department informed when changes are made to garnishments or other claims against pay.
Please keep in mind that we cannot make changes to such deductions, unless authorized to do so
by court order.
Keeping Our Records Current To ensure that personnel files and related data are up-to-date at all times, it is your responsibility to
notify the Company of any changes to your name, telephone number, home address, marital status,
number of dependents, beneficiary designations, scholastic achievements, emergency contacts, and
so forth.
Certain family changes (Qualified Events) have an effect on your group insurance coverage.
Employees have thirty (30) days to make notification of:
marriage and/or stepchildren;
newborn and adopted children;
foster Children (advance approval from insurer may be required);
divorce and/or legal separation; and
covered child reaching twenty-sixth (26th) birthday.
Eligible dependents' ability to apply for certain insurance coverage will be delayed until the next
scheduled “open enrollment” period if timely information is not received for qualified events. Any
changes that could impact group benefits must be made in writing and given to HR. The
Company is not responsible for an enrollment error if timely written information is not received by
HR.
Employees are strongly encouraged to watch for a change in payroll deductions associated with the
requested change, new insurance cards etc… Make prompt notification if you don’t see the
expected change taking place.
Unemployment Compensation Federal and State Unemployment Compensation Insurance contributions are paid entirely by the
Company. This insurance provides certain income benefits if you lose your job for certain qualified
reasons governed by your State’s unemployment office.
20 | P a g e
Chapter 4
Benefits
21 | P a g e
CHAPTER 4- BENEFITS
Company Paid Holidays The Company observes eight (8) paid holidays for regular full time employees. The standard eight
(8) include: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day,
the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Actual observation dates may vary from the specific holiday. See our annual holiday schedule for
details.
Employees on leave or inactive status will not be compensated for holidays that fall within the leave
period. Active employees must work the day before, the day of (if applicable) and after a holiday
to receive holiday pay, or otherwise utilize PDO in order to be paid for the holiday.
Bereavement Leave Employees are entitled to up to three (3) paid days off following the death of an immediate family
member. For purposes hereof, immediate family members include: mother, father, current mother
in-law or father-in-law, spouse, sister, brother, children or grandparents. Members of an
employee’s step family and adoptive family are also considered the same as an employee’s
biological family for bereavement leave.
Jury Duty The Company supports community activities such as Jury Duty, and will compensate you at your
regular salary for any jury service up to one (1) week. Additional weeks will be reviewed on a
case-by-case basis. To qualify for jury duty leave, you must submit a copy of the summons to the
Company as soon as you receive it from the Court. Advance notice to the Company is mandatory,
as courts provide notice before an individual is required to report. In addition, you must submit
proof of service to the Company when the period of jury duty is completed.
If you finish with jury duty for the day, you may be required to work the remainder of the day. You
will not be terminated for serving on a jury, and the Company will do whatever it can to
accommodate you while you respond to legal summons.
Group Health Insurance The Company is pleased to offer employees working thirty (30) or more hours per week the option
of various group health plans (medical, dental, life and disability insurance coverage). Group
insurance plans typically are re-negotiated with the insurance carriers annually, and also have a
designated open-enrollment period for employees to make changes in plan selection and coverage.
22 | P a g e
Group Health Insurance Continued… Employee paid insurance premiums for individual or dependent coverage are deducted on a pre-tax
basis. Employees are eligible for Short-Term disability, Dental and Health Insurance after ninety
(90) days of employment with the Company. Long-Term disability is effective after three (3)
consecutive months of Short-term disability. If an employee is out on consecutive leave for six (6)
months, his or her employment will end with the Company. All disability premiums are paid by
the Company.
Please note that if an employee is applying for short-term disability that employee will also be
expected to apply for FMLA. (See Exhibit “C” for more information on FMLA or contact the
Human Resources Department.) If an employee goes out on leave the employee is responsible for
the employee portion for medical and dental premiums.
Retirement Accounts
The Company is pleased to offer employees the option to participate in retirement savings accounts.
The qualifications to join our plan include being at least age twenty-one (21), and at least six (6)
months of employment. Employees can join the plan or make changes to plan contributions at the
beginning of any month. Changes must be received by Payroll by the tenth (10th) of the month.
We offer a safe harbor 401(k) plan and a Roth 401(k), with a variety of participant directed
investment options. The company offers a competitive employer match of one hundred percent
(100%) of the first (1st) three percent (3%) of pay that you defer into the plan, and fifty percent
(50%) of the next two percent (2%) that you contribute into the plan, on a per pay period basis.
Paid Days Off (PDO)
The Company provides PDO for the purpose of providing employees with the opportunity to take
time away from work, without loss of compensation. Employees accrue PDO on the following
accrual schedule, and will accrue the designated time based on years of service each pay period.
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2015
HOURLY EMPLOYEES - YEARS OF SERVICE ACCRUAL RATE DAYS
PRIOR TO 1 YEAR OF SERVICE - 2.46 hours per pay period for a total of up to 8 days per year. AFTER 1 YEAR OF SERVICE – 4.92 hours per pay period for a total of up to 16 days per year.
AFTER 5 YEARS OF SERVICE – 6.46 hours per pay period for a total of 21 days per year. AFTER 10 YEARS OF SERVICE – 8.00 hours per pay period for a total of 26 days per year.
SALARIED EMPLOYEES - YEARS OF SERVICE ACCRUAL RATE DAYS
PRIOR TO 1 YEAR OF SERVICE - 2.67 hours per pay period for a total of up to 8 days per year. AFTER 1 YEAR OF SERVICE – 5.34 hours per pay period for a total of up to 16 days per year.
AFTER 5 YEARS OF SERVICE – 7.00 hours per pay period for a total of 21 days per year. AFTER 10 YEARS OF SERVICE – 8.67 hours per pay period for a total of 26 days per year.
23 | P a g e
Paid Days Off (PDO) Continued… PDO Guidelines: PDO may be taken for any reason with advance notice, and in limited cases, upon no notice. Employees are encouraged to reserve enough PDO days to cover unforeseen illnesses and other emergencies. Please note that you will be allowed to use PDO after your ninety (90) day
probationary period.
PDO will not accrue for an employee who is out on an unpaid leave of absence, disability or
worker’s comp. PDO accrual will resume once the employee returns to work.
Requesting PDO:
Employees should follow their department procedures when requesting time off. Approval to change the normal work day schedule must meet the needs of the department and be approved by
your supervisor in advance.
Using PDO:
PDO must be used before taking time in an unpaid status. In some circumstances and at the discretion of management, employees may go into a negative balance up to a maximum of 16 hours.
Vacation requests must be submitted within ninety (90) days for approval. Approval must
be obtained by your Supervisor prior to planning vacation (purchasing tickets, hotel
accommodations, etc.). We commit to honor your requests; however, business needs may
necessitate the denial of some requests. Vacation requests cannot exceed more than a
week at a time.
All PDO requests that are not vacation requests must be submitted two (2) weeks prior to
the date requested off from work and must be approved by your supervisor. (In some cases
this may not be possible and will be handled on a case by case basis, with your Supervisor
and Department Head).
Employees must accrue PDO time prior to using it.
Employees that have exhausted all of their PDO time may take up to two (2) unpaid
excused days off per calendar year, only after receiving approval from their supervisor.
All unexcused absences will be addressed with the attendance policy.
PDO Payout Process/Carryover:
An hourly (non-exempt) employee may request to be paid out up to forty (40) hours of
accrued PDO on their anniversary date.
The max carryover for any employee is forty (40) hours of accrued PDO.
If an employee leaves the Company and has a negative PDO balance, those funds will be
deducted from employee’s final check. PDO will not accrue for an employee who is out on an unpaid leave of absence, disability or
worker’s comp. PDO accrual will resume once the employee returns to work.
24 | P a g e
Business Hours
The business hours at your work location may vary, but most locations require employees to work
a Monday through Friday schedule. Your specific hours will depend upon the work scheduled for
your department and specific position, times taken for lunch, and other factors. The Company
recognizes that you have demands outside of work and, when possible, your supervisor will try to
accommodate changes to your regular work schedule to meet these outside demands. To keep this
in perspective, please remember the following:
Any changes you wish to make from your regular work schedule must be approved
in advance by your direct supervisor. Not all requests for changes of hours or days off will be approved.
There may be times when supervisors need to make schedule changes to accommodate
patient needs or work demands.
Any issues arising out of requested time off or schedule changes will be decided by
your immediate supervisor and/or department head.
Schedules (especially for lunch or breaks) may vary even for people in the same work
group. No schedules will be developed where the lunch break is shorter than thirty (30)
minutes for hourly employees, unless specifically approved by HR.
Lunch Periods and Breaks
A lunch period of up to one (1) hour is provided to all full time employees. Lunch times may
vary by department to minimize interruptions to our patients, workflow, or other factors relative to
conducting business. Notwithstanding, non-exempt employees are required to take a minimum
unpaid meal/rest period of at least thirty minutes on each full day that they work. Lunch breaks
must be scheduled with your supervisor. Lunch is typically scheduled between the hours of eleven
(11:00) a.m. and one-thirty (1:30) p.m. In emergency situations, the Company may ask that you
work during your lunch period. In these instances, you will be given a lunch period later in the
day, and will be paid for that time. All hourly staff must clock in and out for lunch.
25 | P a g e
Chapter 5
Time, Attendance and Leave
Management
26 | P a g e
CHAPTER 5 - TIME, ATTENDANCE, AND LEAVE MANAGEMENT
Attendance Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility of each employee at EHI/Village
Podiatry Centers. Any tardiness or absence causes problems for fellow employees and supervisors.
When an employee is absent, others must perform the work, which diminishes the smooth
functioning of the company.
Employees are expected to report to work as scheduled, on time and prepared to start work.
Employees also are expected to remain at work for their entire work schedule. Late arrival, early
departure, or other absences from scheduled hours are disruptive and must be avoided. The purpose
of this policy is to promote the efficient operation of the company and minimize unscheduled
absences.
I. Absent
An employee is deemed absent when he/she is unavailable for work as assigned/scheduled and such time off was not scheduled/approved in advance.
II. Tardy An employee is deemed to be tardy when he/she:
Fails to report for work at the assigned/scheduled work time. In these instances, managers
may replace the tardy employee for the full shift.
Leaves work prior to the end of assigned/scheduled work time without prior supervisory
approval.
Takes an extended meal or break period without approval.
Reporting Absences I. Departmental Notification Procedure
Employees are expected to follow departmental notification procedures if they will be late for work,
will not be at work, or are requesting planned time away from work. Employees must request in
advance to their supervisor any time off. Please refer to our PDO policy for specific time frames.
At the time of notification/call, the employee must notify their supervisor when an absence is due
to a documented/approved leave of absence (e.g. Military Leave, FMLA) in order to ensure
appropriate tracking of leave utilization and absenteeism.
An employee who fails to call in and report to work as scheduled for three (3) consecutively
scheduled work days will be viewed as having abandoned their position and employment will
be terminated. The supervisor should consult with Human Resources if this situation occurs.
Any non-consecutive No-Call/No Show will be subject to progressive discipline.
27 | P a g e
Reporting Absences Continued…
II. Progressive Discipline Process
Supervisors should monitor their employees' attendance on a regular basis and address
unsatisfactory attendance in a timely and consistent manner. If supervisors notice a pattern of
unscheduled usage of PDO, they should discuss this concern with the employee.
Occurrences
For the purpose of attendance, an occurrence can be a single day or a collection of consecutive
days. For purposes of tardiness, an occurrence will be two instances of coming in late or leaving
early. The number of occurrences that are subject to the corrective action process is as follows:
4 occurrences = Verbal
6 occurrences
8 occurrences
= Written
= Final
10 occurrences = Termination (All terminations must be discussed with HR prior to termination)
The following is designed to provide guidelines when addressing the total number of occurrences
in a rolling twelve (12) month period, provided that the reason for an occurrence is not protected
under FMLA or ADA.
New Hire Orientation Period
An employee, within his/her Orientation period, who has two (2) occurrences should receive a
Written Warning; if the employee has greater than two (2) occurrences within the Orientation
period, employment may be terminated. Extension of the Orientation period will allow for the
maximum of two (2) additional occurrences within that extension.
Holidays If an employee calls out of work the day before, the day of, or the day after a holiday, the employee
will not receive holiday pay. The employee may also be subject to the Progressive discipline policy
in relations to attendance.
This policy is intended to be non-discriminatory and will be managed consistently without
the perception of discrimination.
Timekeeping It is essential that each employee keep an accurate record of the actual hours worked each day.
Please keep these tips in mind:
report your hours to the time record system daily, as you enter and leave work. This
includes time taken for lunch;
if you miss a punch, let your supervisor know so that a correction can be made;
review your own hours weekly for accuracy;
28 | P a g e
Timekeeping Continued…
supervisors approve final timesheets;
your pay is computed based on what you submit, and what is approved on your weekly
time record;
promptly notify your supervisor if your time record must be changed late in the time
keeping cycle, or close to the payroll due date; and
make notes in the payroll system regarding absences, or for unusual time keeping.
Leave of Absence
Leaves of absence from work arise for a variety of reasons, and some fall under multiple leave
provisions. Please keep the following leave guidelines in mind when considering a leave of
absence:
Unpaid personal leave of absence – The leave is granted to protect your employment for
compelling personal and emergency reasons, other than for absences covered under other leave
plans. They are typically granted in two (2) week increments, and must be coordinated and
approved through HR.
The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – Laws regarding family medical leave vary from state
to state. FMLA provides job protection for full time employees to take as much as twelve (12)
weeks off annually, for a variety of covered reasons. The Federal FMLA guidelines are outlined
in Exhibit “C” at the back of this Handbook. More information can be found on the FMLA poster
at each work site, or on the employee self-serve portal on the payroll system.
Short and Long Term Disability Benefits – Typically short and long term disability begin after
an initial elimination period. The elimination period is the length of time that you must be totally
and/or partially disabled before you qualify for benefits, and varies by carrier. Prior to returning to
work, you must provide your supervisor and HR with a release from your treating physician. If
your release is for full duty, you may return on the first day released. If your return will require
limited duty, you must work out those details prior to returning to work.
Military Leave – Exhibit “E” at the back of this Handbook offers a detailed explanation of military
leaves.
If an employee goes out on leave the employee is responsible for the employee portion for medical
and dental premiums. (See Group Health Insurance Section, listed under “Benefits” for more
information.) The Human Resources Department will coordinate many of these leave provisions
with you, ideally before you go out on leave.
29 | P a g e
Overtime
When our workload requires overtime, the Company will offer overtime opportunities to employees
working in the job classification where the overtime is required. If no one voluntarily elects to
work the overtime, the immediate supervisor will assign employees to work. In these cases, efforts
will be made to assign overtime fairly among those in the required job classifications. Notice of
the need for overtime will be given by the end of the regular workday for the following day, when
we are able to do so. Although we will attempt to give notice when we can, it is not always possible.
Overtime is paid at one and one-half (1-½) times your hourly rate, for hours you work in excess of
forty (40) hours per week. Working nine (9) hours in a regular eight (8) hour day does not
constitute overtime, until or unless the forty (40) hours maximum has been reached for the week.
Non-exempt/hourly employees may not work overtime without prior authorization from a
supervisor. If you fail to receive authorization for overtime hours, you will be subject to
disciplinary action.
Payment for overtime worked is normally received in the pay period following the period in which
the overtime was earned, provided that the necessary time reporting has been properly prepared,
authorized by the appropriate individuals, and forwarded for processing in a timely manner.
Paid Days Off (PDO), Holidays, Jury Duty, time off to Vote, Facility Closing, and Military or
other Leave hours will not be counted as time worked for overtime computation purposes.
Workers Compensation
A work-related illness or injury is typically covered by Worker’s Compensation Insurance. If you
are injured on the job, no matter how slightly, report the accident immediately (within twenty-four
(24) hours), to your supervisor and HR. If you require treatment during working hours as a result
of a work related injury or illness, you will be paid your regular pay for the time you are away from
work that day. Worker’s Compensation insurance will provide payments to attending physicians
for work related injury and illnesses.
If you are physically unable to work because of a job-related injury or illness, you may receive
compensation under our workers compensation insurance policy. All questions related to workers
compensation should be directed to HR.
At each work location, a panel of physicians is posted that treat our work related injuries or
illnesses.
Important: Supervisors complete a Supervisor’s First Report of Injury, that the
employee signs when a work related injury or illness occurs.
30 | P a g e
Chapter 6
Office Practices
31 | P a g e
CHAPTER 6- OFFICE PRACTICES
Open Door Policy
The Company considers open and honest communication to be a vital part of a positive work
environment. If you have a work-related problem, we encourage you to discuss it with your
immediate supervisor. If you find it difficult to properly describe or discuss the problem with your
direct supervisor, you may contact a department manager, or HR for assistance. Be assured that
you will be listened to, and efforts will be made to help find a workable solution. All of our
leadership team, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Chief Operating Officer
(COO), maintains an open door policy to encourage employees to bring issues to their attention.
Please make attempts to resolve outstanding issues with your direct supervisor, or seek help from
the next level of leadership or HR, prior to seeking input from the CEO, or COO.
Employee Suggestions
We welcome your ideas and suggestions, no matter how unimportant they may seem to you.
Sometimes the most unusual or even the simplest suggestions, are excellent cost-saving ideas.
Anything that will help to do the job better or more productively, improve working conditions,
provide better patient service, eliminate unnecessary expenses, or increase our earnings, will
receive thorough consideration. Please provide suggestions you might have to your supervisor or,
if you prefer, to the HR department.
Training Records
Employee competencies are periodically evaluated and training requirements are identified.
Managers decide how to address any identified gaps, including on-the-job training, assigning a
mentor, or asking an employee to take outside or internal coursework that would benefit them on
the job. Please forward attendance records for specialized training to HR for inclusion in your
personnel file.
Patient Service
The success of our medical practices and shared corporate services depends upon the quality of
the relationships between the Company, our employees, our patients, and our suppliers. Our
patient's impression of the Company, and their interest and willingness to do business with us, are
greatly formed by the people who serve them.
32 | P a g e
Patient Service Continued…
Regardless of your position, you are a Company ambassador. The more goodwill you promote,
the more our patients will respect and appreciate you, the Company, and our medical services.
Listed below are several things that you can do to help provide patients a positive impression
of your work center:
deal with patients and vendors in a courteous and respectful manner;
handle business matters with confidence;
communicate pleasantly and respectfully with other employees at all times;
responsiveness – follow up on all inquiries promptly, provide businesslike replies to
requests, and perform all duties in a timely manner;
always greet a patient or visitor that is waiting, and never assume that someone else is
taking care of them; and
take great pride in your work, and enjoy doing your very best.
Personal Development
All employees have the personal responsibility to continually develop your personal skills and
abilities. We encourage your growth and development, and in some cases, will reimburse
employees for specific training or course attendance, as long as these have received approval in
advance from your supervisor. In our review process and periodically during the year, your
manager will discuss ways in which you could be more effective in the group, and ways that might
facilitate your career development within the Company.
Performance Evaluations
Each year in the spring, your direct supervisor will complete a written performance review.
Employees are encouraged to evaluate their own performance in preparation for an open, and
constructive discussion. Your supervisor may also evaluate your performance throughout the year
to ensure that you are at the performance level needed for your job.
Performance reviews are used to evaluate past performance levels, as they relate to the specific job
assignments you were assigned in the preceding period. Future goals and objectives are created
as part of the review process. Strengths and areas for improvement may be identified and discussed
during the review. You can help your supervisor by identifying needs that will help you work to
your fullest potential. This is a good time to discuss your interests and future goals. Your
supervisor is interested in helping you to progress and grow in order to achieve personal, as well
as work-related goals.
In addition to individual job performance reviews, the Company periodically conducts a review of
job descriptions/key job competencies, to ensure that we are fully aware of any changes in the
duties and responsibilities of each position.
33 | P a g e
Access to Personnel Files
The Company maintains a personnel file on each associate. The personnel file includes such
information as the associate's job application, resume, records of training, documentation of
performance appraisals and salary increases, and other employment records. Personnel files are
the property of the Company, and access to the information they contain, is restricted. Generally,
only the members of management of the Company who have a legitimate reason to review
information in a file, are allowed to do so.
Associates who wish to review their own file should contact Human Resources. With reasonable
advance notice, associates may review their own personnel files in the Company's offices, and in
the presence of a Human Resources representative.
No Solicitation/No Distribution of Literature
In order to avoid interference with work activities of other employees, no employee is allowed to
solicit items, products or services, to other employees, during work time. Distribution of non-
company literature in working areas of the Company is prohibited at any time.
Non-employees are prohibited from distributing materials or soliciting employees on Company
property, at any time.
Vendor/Gift Policy
Company employees may not accept vendor gifts of more than Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) in
value, unless approved by Human Resources, or Chief Legal Officer (CLO). Unacceptable gifts
may include, but are not limited to, trips, golf outings, parties, or tickets to events. It is acceptable
for a vendor to provide a gift to the entire office i.e., basket of cookies, plaque etc. … All gift
giving should be coordinated with the approval of your supervisor or department manager. Please
also refer to the Conflict of Interest Policy.
Personal Appearance
A neat, tasteful appearance contributes to the positive impression you make to our patients,
vendors, visitors, and your co-workers. Remember that your conduct and dress represents the
Company to outsiders. During working hours or when representing the Company, you should be
attired and groomed in an appropriate and businesslike manner for the office you are working in.
This means no overexposure of skin, minimal showing of tattoos, and piercings should be kept to
a minimum. All items of clothing should be well maintained, fit properly, and be neat, clean,
unwrinkled, and free of holes and tears. Inappropriate attire for work includes tank tops, midriff
tops, shirts with potentially offensive words, terms, logos, pictures, cartoons, or slogans, halter
tops, sweatshirts, sweatpants, exercise pants, shorts, bib overalls, and t-shirts unless worn under
34 | P a g e
Personal Appearance Continued…
another blouse, shirt, jacket, or dress. Conservative walking shoes, loafers, clogs, sneakers, boots,
flats, dress heels, and leather deck-type shoes are acceptable for work. Flashy athletic shoes,
overly bright colored shoes, thong sandals, flip-flops, and slippers are not acceptable. Hair should
always be clean and neatly styled.
For office settings, Monday through Thursdays are considered Business Casual Days. Fridays will
be considered Casual Days. On these days, jeans and other more casual clothing, although never
clothing potentially offensive to others, are allowed. If a manager believes your attire or
appearance is out of place, you may be asked to leave your workplace until you are properly attired
and groomed. Any attire must not be offensive in nature.
If your job requires you to wear a uniform, it is your responsibility to clean your uniform and
present yourself in a positive way. Other than Company-related information such as a name tag,
employees who work with patients may not wear pins, buttons, jewelry, or other adornments, on
their uniforms.
Employees are encouraged to consult with their supervisor whenever they have questions
regarding acceptable dress for their work area. Failure to abide by this policy may result in
progressive disciplinary action.
Inquiries Regarding Employees
All inquiries regarding employees should be referred to Human Resources.
Harassment
We are committed to creating a professional and productive work environment, where you are
treated with respect and dignity. The Company prohibits conduct of any kind that disrupts or
interferes with another person’s work performance and/or work environment, especially where
that conduct could constitute discrimination or harassment. Harassment and/or discrimination
against an individual or group on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, citizenship, disability or handicap, genetic
information, military service, veteran status, or any other legally protected status, is prohibited at
the Company. Please see our detailed Harassment Awareness Policy at Exhibit “A” at the end of
this Handbook.
Visitors to our Facilities
For safety and security reasons, visitors are to be escorted by a Company employee at all times. If you encounter an unescorted visitor in your work location that you do not recognize, please approach the individual. Introduce yourself in a professional and friendly manner. If the individual is not an employee or a temporary worker with proper identification, please escort them
35 | P a g e
Visitors to our Facilities Continued…
to the reception area in a helpful manner, so they can be met and accompanied. Consultants and
interns need to complete a Confidentiality Agreement.
You should not invite personal visitors to work areas of the Company. If personal visitors or
relatives do call, please receive them and limit the visit to the Reception Area, unless otherwise
approved by your supervisor. Children should be escorted at all times. All employees must protect
private information.
Outside Employment/Contracting
All full-time employees are expected to devote their full-time efforts to the Company. Employees
are discouraged from consulting in a related industry, or on an after-hours/weekend basis. Any
deviation from these policies should be discussed with your supervisor. Employees are prohibited
from using any Company equipment in the performance of any outside employment. The
Company will not be responsible for, or pay benefits for, injuries or illnesses resulting from
employment at any outside Company.
Severe Weather
In the event that our area experiences severe weather or another emergency, the decision may be
made to shut down your work location, until conditions improve. If your work location is open
when severe weather warnings or another emergency begins, management will decide when the
location will close for the day.
Whenever practical, the Company will be open and operating on a normal basis during severe
weather and other emergencies. However, we do not want anyone to take unnecessary risks in
traveling to and from work. Those who feel that their safety is at risk should stay home, come in
late, or leave the office early, after speaking to their supervisor in advance, and making sure
patients are properly assisted. The time taken off will count against your PDO time. If your office
or clinic is “officially” closed, you will be paid your regular wages for that day and up to two (2)
“weather days” per calendar year. After these two (2) weather days, the time off will be treated as
a vacation day, or you can choose for the day to be unpaid and not count towards your vacation
time. For work locations outside of the Atlanta area, contact your local office manager to see if
your facility is open for business.
Important: A weather hotline has been set up at 770-384-1559 for Georgia facilities. You may
periodically check this hotline to determine if your office is open and operating during adverse
weather.
36 | P a g e
Securing Company Property
You should make an effort to ensure that our building and property are secure. This means
securing valuable Company equipment during work hours, and before you leave. If you borrow
equipment from someone else’s work area, you should leave them a signed note that you have
taken it, and when you expect to return it. If the item is to be held beyond normal work hours, it
is your responsibility to secure the item (lap tops, overhead projectors etc….), until it can be
returned.
Non-Smoking Work Environment
If you wish to smoke or use other tobacco products, you may do so outside the building, in the
designated smoking area. Smokers are expected to dispose of litter (including cigarette butts)
properly.
Securing Personal Property
You should use reasonable care at all times to safeguard your personal items. Cash should never
be sent through office mail. Pocketbooks, billfolds, jewelry, and other personal property, are not
to be left unattended in open or unsecured areas. If you suspect that something has been stolen,
please report it to your supervisor or HR. The Company does not assume liability for any loss or
damages you may sustain to personal property anywhere on Company grounds, including: clinics,
labs, surgery centers, and parking lots. Employees, visitors and guests are urged to take
precautions for the safety and security of personal items.
Telephone Use & Voice Mail
Operating instructions are available depending on the model of the phone you are assigned. If
you are provided with a Company voice mailbox, you should acquaint yourself with how to
operate the system, and leave a professional greeting and message when you are unavailable to
receive a call. Messages are to be checked in the morning, and again in the afternoon. Initial
responses are expected to be made within twenty-four (24) hours.
When you are away from the office for extended periods of time, please remember to add a
professional “away from the office” message, indicating that you are out of the office, when you
expect to return, and who at work should be contacted while you are away.
It is very important for all employees to use good telephone manners while answering calls.
Always identify yourself, handle the call professionally, and if you take a message, make sure that
it is relayed to the proper person in a timely manner. You may not use the Company’s phone for
frequent or lengthy personal calls. While the Company realizes there may be times an employee
must use their cell phone for personal reasons, the Company requires this be kept to an absolute
minimum, and be used during breaks, or in case of an emergency.
37 | P a g e
Workplace Monitoring
Workplace monitoring may be conducted by the Company to ensure quality control, associate
safety, security, and patient satisfaction. Associates who regularly communicate with patients or
third parties may have their telephone conversations monitored, or recorded. Telephone
monitoring is used to identify and correct performance problems through targeted training.
Improved job performance enhances the patient’s image of the Company, as well as their
satisfaction with our service. E-mail communications may also be monitored to ensure compliance.
Computers furnished to associates are the property of the Company. As such, computer usage and
files may be monitored or accessed. Employees shall have no expectation of privacy in any
Company computer system, computer files, or other electronic communication devices.
The Company may conduct video surveillance of non-private workplace areas. Video monitoring
is used to identify safety concerns, maintain quality control, detect theft and misconduct, and
discourage or prevent acts of harassment and workplace violence.
Confidential Information
Current and prospective patients trust the Company to maintain their personal data in a
professional, and confidential manner. We are entrusted with not only information related to a
patient’s health, but also their private insurance, personal, and financial data. In addition to patient
data, an employee may also have access to other Company business information, such as patient
lists, marketing information, and accounting data. Confidential information includes, among other
things, any and all information relating to any patients or prospective patients of the Company,
and any and all nonpublic information in whatever form relating to the Company, and the operation
of its business. Patient Protected Health Information must be especially safeguarded under
HIPAA/HITECH privacy and security rules. Training on this will be provided upon hire.
If employees have a question about whether any information or data is confidential, they should
treat it as confidential information. Employees may also have access to the Company’s computer
based information network and the files, data and other confidential information available through
the network. Any and all information to which employees have access through the network will
be treated as confidential information.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees may not, for any purpose whatsoever, use or disclose confidential information to any
person, except to the extent required to carry out their duties. Upon the termination of employment
with the Company, employees must return any confidential information in their possession to the
Company, within seven (7) days, and delete any confidential information from his/her home
computer. Likewise, after termination of employment, employees may not, for any purpose
whatsoever, use or disclose confidential information.
38 | P a g e
Computer Policy
Employees are prohibited from bringing in and loading computer hardware and software, onto
Company equipment. You are responsible for compliance with copyright laws for all personal
files. Files or software illegally obtained, or not in compliance with the copyright protections of
the maker, are not to be loaded onto Company equipment. Any data files loaded onto Company
equipment, become and will remain the property of the Company. Violations of this policy will
result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including, termination of employment.
E-mail Usage Policy
E-mail access is provided as an efficient way to conduct business in the work place. All employees
are required to adhere to our Internet and Computer E-mail Usage Policy. E-mails directed to
“all personnel” should be utilized for only important business related office communications. Ask
your supervisor first when in doubt about sending a message to a large group. Everyone should
carefully consider who to copy on an e-mail message. A good rule of thumb would be to copy
only those individuals who are on a “need to know” basis, with respect to the information contained
in the message. E-mails must be checked in the morning, and again in the afternoon. Initial
responses are to be made within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of message.
It is an expectation that all e-mail communication is written in a respectful tone. If an e-mail
exchange becomes heated or discourteous, it is a good idea to stop e-mailing and pick up the phone,
or arrange a meeting to conduct the business at hand. Employees may be reprimanded for
inappropriate e-mail content. When you are away from the office for extended periods, please
remember to place an “out of office” message on your Company e-mail indicating that you are
out, and when you expect to return.
All nonexempt employees must report time worked away from the office, and any overtime
must be approved in advance, including but not limited to checking e-mail or catching up on work
items at home. E-mails should only be checked outside of normal business hours if requested by
your manager or Physician in advance due to urgency or time-sensitive matters.
Care of Company Equipment & Supplies
The Company has made a significant investment in providing each work area with the equipment
and supplies necessary for you to conduct your work. Please use equipment and supplies wisely.
Company stationery/letterhead is never to be used to conduct personal business. It is your
responsibility to properly care for all of our equipment. Notify your supervisor if you find
equipment not in proper working condition.
Do not start or operate equipment that you think is unsafe. Do not modify any equipment
safeguards that are in place. You should read and understand applicable manuals and warning
labels of any equipment you are not familiar with, prior to operating it.
39 | P a g e
Operating Vehicles in the Course of Conducting Work
Employees are expected to drive responsibly and obey all driving laws when operating a motor
vehicle on Company business. This includes...
wearing proper seat belt restraints;
refrain from distracted driving (eating, reading, texting); and
having a valid driver’s license (notify your supervisor if your license is revoked).
If you receive a work related cell phone call while driving, you should safely pull over to take
the call, or allow voice mail to pick up, and then return the call as soon as practical when you have
parked the car. However, if you feel comfortable, you may utilize a hands-free device to answer
a call. There is no business call “too important” that you should risk injury to yourself or others.
The Company assumes no liability for use of cell phone or other equipment while driving. Cellular
telephone use while driving, along with other driver distractions, such as operating the radio,
reading, taking notes, putting on make-up, shaving and smoking, have caused numerous avoidable
accidents.
The Company will not reimburse employees for the cost of traffic citations. All vehicle accidents,
which occur while driving on Company business, must be reported immediately by the employee
to the Company.
This policy will be interpreted and applied in accordance with all applicable law, including
regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Workplace Violence Prevention Policy
The Company expressly prohibits threatening, intimidating, or bullying behavior, and any acts or
threats of violence, which involve any current or former employee, patient, vendor, or other third
party, on or about its facilities, or elsewhere at any time, either on or off duty. Acts or threats of
violence include but are not limited to:
conduct against persons or property that is sufficiently severe, offensive, or threatening, as
to give an individual reasonable cause to believe that he/she, or others are at risk of injury;
or
conduct that creates a hostile, abusive, or intimidating work environment.
The Company prohibits the possession of firearms, and/or other dangerous or deadly weapons,
while on Company property, or engaged in Company business. Weapons include knives,
explosives, and any other object designed to cause bodily harm, as defined by applicable federal,
state, and local laws. This prohibition includes keeping or transporting a firearm or weapon in a
vehicle in a parking area provided by the Company, except as provided by law.
40 | P a g e
Workplace Violence Prevention Policy Continued…
The Company’s prohibition against threats and acts of violence as described above applies to all
persons, including but not limited to, Company personnel, contract and temporary workers,
employees of outsourced services, clients, patients, and family members/domestic partners. The
Company will take immediate and appropriate action to protect its employees, and ensure a safe
and secure workplace. This may include disciplinary action consistent with applicable law against
any employee who violates this policy, up to and including termination, of employment.
If you are aware of a violation of this policy, you must report it to your immediate supervisor,
senior management, or member of the HR Department. In emergency situations, local law
enforcement or the police should also be notified immediately. If you see anyone acting in a
suspicious manner, you should contact your supervisor, or the HR Department immediately.
You must notify the HR Department of protective or restraining orders which may impact the
workplace, so that assistance can be offered, and appropriate security measures taken. In addition,
you are required to report any arrests or convictions for any criminal offense to the HR Department.
The Company will evaluate such information consistent with applicable law.
The Company will undertake a prompt investigation of any violation of this policy, maintaining
confidentiality to the greatest extent possible. The Company expressly prohibits any form of
retaliatory action against individuals who make reports in good faith under this policy.
Unacceptable Work Activities
Each employee is expected to act in a mature and responsible manner, at all times.
However, to avoid any possible confusion, some of the more obvious unacceptable activities are
noted below. If you have questions concerning any work or safety rules, or any of the
unacceptable activities listed, see your supervisor, or contact a representative of HR for an
explanation.
Occurrences of any of the following violations may result in disciplinary actions, up to and
including, termination of employment. This is not intended to be a complete listing of conduct
that may result in disciplinary action. The Company reserves the right to discipline or terminate
an employee for any other conduct that it deems inappropriate.
1. Falsification of Company records, including employment applications, timesheets, etc.;
2. insubordination or failing to carry out reasonable requests from supervisors;
3. leaving work without permission from your direct supervisor, or failing to remain at your
assigned work area until the end of your scheduled shift;
4. carelessly or intentionally destroying Company property; 5. inappropriately sharing confidential or proprietary information with outsiders, or
unauthorized fellow employees;
6. failure to maintain a proper work appearance and demeanor;
41 | P a g e
Unacceptable Work Activities Continued…
7. unsatisfactory or careless work, failure to meet quality standards as explained to you by
your immediate supervisor, mistakes due to carelessness, or failure to request necessary
instructions prior to undertaking the assignment;
8. smoking outside of designated smoking areas;
9. fighting or horseplay on the job, or while on Company business;
10. possession or use of illegal drugs, improper use of prescribed medications, or use of
intoxicants, while on Company property, or Company business;
11. gambling or other illegal activity on Company property;
12. possession of firearms, or other dangerous or deadly weapons, while on Company
property, or engaged in Company business – weapons include knives, explosives, and
any other object designed to cause bodily harm;
13. interference with the work of a fellow employee, willfully restricting work output,
compromising quality, or encouraging others to do so;
14. intimidating or attempting to coerce an individual to commit wrongful acts as defined by
applicable law or administrative rule, or to violate Company policy;
15. following or stalking another person, or making a threat with the intent of placing
another individual in reasonable fear for his/her safety, or that of family members;
16. conduct or remarks that could cause another person to reasonably believe that he/she is
under threat of harm;
17. intimidating, menacing, or frightening behavior, either verbal or physical, toward other
individuals;
18. making or sending harassing or threatening telephone calls, voice mail messages, e-mail
messages, threatening letters, or other forms of written or electronic communication;
19. using abusive, inflammatory, or threatening language, while on Company property;
20. failure to work safely, or interference with another employee, thereby compromising
their safety;
21. sleeping on the job, or neglecting your work; 22. having been found guilty of engaging in illegal conduct, on or off Company property;
23. theft or attempting to remove property of the Company, its patients, or another employee
of the Company;
24. unauthorized access of a computer or program that you have not been given authority to
use, or unapproved use of someone else’s pass code;
25. misuse of Company computer resources, including sending inappropriate content via
email, or having inappropriate content on your work computer;
26. failure to comply with safety rules, or to timely report an accident/injury occurring on a
Company facility, or other work location;
27. solicitation of goods, products, or services to employees during working time, or
distribution of literature or other material in work areas, at any time;
28. violation of the Company’s equal employment opportunity policy, including its policy
against harassment; and
29. excessive absenteeism, or tardiness.
42 | P a g e
Progressive Discipline
The purpose of this policy is to state the Company’s position on administering equitable and
consistent discipline for unsatisfactory conduct in the workplace. The best disciplinary measure
is the one that does not have to be enforced, and comes from good leadership and fair supervision
at all levels.
The Company’s own best interest lies in ensuring fair treatment of all associates, and in making
certain that disciplinary actions are prompt, uniform, and impartial. The purpose of any
disciplinary action is to correct the problem, prevent recurrence, and prepare the associate for
satisfactory service in the future.
Although employment with the Company is based on mutual consent, and both the associate and
the Company have the right to terminate employment at will, with or without cause, or advance
notice, the Company may use progressive discipline at its discretion.
In general, the four-step procedure outlined below will be followed. There may be particular
situations, however, in which the seriousness of the offense justifies the omission of one or more
of the steps in the procedure. Likewise, there may be times when the Company may decide to
repeat a disciplinary step.
To insure that Company business is conducted properly and efficiently, you must conform to
certain standards of attendance, conduct, work performance, and other work rules and regulations.
When a problem in these areas does arise, your manager will coach and counsel you so that you
can mutually develop an effective solution. If, however, you fail to respond to coaching or
counseling, or an incident occurs requiring formal discipline, the following procedures are in place.
Step One: Documented Verbal Warning
Your manager will meet with you to discuss the problem, making sure that you understand
the nature of the violation, and the expected remedy. The purpose of this conversation and
document is to remind you of exactly what the rule or performance expectation is, and also
remind you that it is your responsibility to meet that expectation.
You will be informed that the Verbal Warning is the first step of the discipline procedure.
Your manager will fully document the warning, which will remain in effect for twelve (12)
consecutive months. Documentation of the incident will be placed in your personnel file.
Step Two: Written Warning
If your performance does not improve immediately, or if you are again in violation of
Company practices, rules or standards of conduct, your manager, after reviewing the
situation with the next line up manager and Human Resources, will discuss the problem
with you, emphasizing the seriousness of the problem and the need for you to immediately
remedy the problem.
43 | P a g e
Progressive Discipline Continued…
Following the conversation, your manager will write a memo to you summarizing the
discussion. The original memo will go to you for signature, and a copy will be placed in
your personnel file.
Step Three: Final Warning
If your performance does not improve immediately following a written warning, or if you
are again in violation of Company practices, rules or standards of conduct, you will be
placed on a Final Warning. This is the last step in the disciplinary process before
termination.
Step Four: Termination
If an employee has reached the level of a Final Warning within a twelve (12) month time
frame, then the next step to immediately follow is termination.
Administrative Leave
In some situations it may be warranted to place an employee out on Administrative leave. This
will need to be administered if you commit any of the actions listed below, or any other action not
specified but similarly serious. You will be suspended, pending the investigation of the situation.
Following the investigation, you may be terminated without any previous disciplinary action.
1. Theft.
2. Falsification of Company records.
3. Failure to follow safety practices.
4. Conflict of interest.
5. Threat of, or the act of doing bodily harm.
6. Willful or negligent destruction of property.
7. Use and/or possession of intoxicants, drugs or narcotics.
8. Neglect of duty.
9. Refusal to perform assigned work or to follow a direct order. 10. Creating an unsafe work environment.
The Company recognizes that there are certain types of conduct that are serious enough to justify
either a suspension, or, in extreme situations, termination of employment, without going through
the usual progressive discipline steps.
While it is impossible to list every type of behavior that may be deemed a serious offense, the
policy includes examples of violations that may result in immediate suspension or, termination of
employment.
By using progressive discipline, we hope that all associate problems can be corrected at an early
stage, benefiting both the associate, and the Company.
44 | P a g e
Privacy
Personal Privacy
Except as the law may otherwise provide, you may not have any expectation of privacy while
working on the Company’s premises, engaged in Company business off premises, or using any
materials, equipment, space, or systems provided by, or owned by the Company.
Additionally, the Company may monitor your work or work product as well, as all means of
communication, internal or external, including telephonic, voicemail, intra-Company paper mail,
and mail processing through the Company’s facilities and electronic systems, including the
Internet, E-mail, and tele-transmissions.
Without prior written authorization of the CEO or COO of the Company, you may not openly or
secretly tape, or otherwise surreptitiously record, or videotape any conversation, communication,
activity, or event.
This prohibition applies to:
all conversations on property, or involving Company business;
other conversations with employees of the Company;
conversations with Company patients or clients; or
conversations with any other individual with whom the Company is doing business, or
intending to do business, e.g., vendors, suppliers, consultants, and attorneys.
This policy also applies to conversations and communications with any other third parties,
including outside legal counsel, auditors, and regulatory officials.
“Taping and Recording” under this policy includes any conversation or communication, whether
in person, over the telephone, or via any other communication device or equipment. All methods
used to tape or record are included (e.g., tape recorder, video recorder, mechanical recording or
wiretapping equipment), regardless of where the conversation or communication takes place (i.e.,
whether on or off the Company’s premises).
Occasionally, the Company tapes, records, videotapes, or otherwise monitors conversations or
other communications between some of its employees, and/or between employees and
nonemployees. This is done for legitimate business purposes, such as training and protecting the
integrity of certain business transactions. Generally, you will be notified when such taping or
recording occurs. Under certain circumstances, however, notice may not be given.
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including, termination of your
employment. If your conduct is illegal, you may also be subject to prosecution under federal, state,
or local laws.
45 | P a g e
Mileage Reimbursement
It is the policy of the Company to reimburse staff for incremental miles incurred in connection
with approved travel on behalf of the Company outside of the normal daily commute. If a
circumstance arises that is not specifically covered in this policy, the most conservative course of
action should be adopted, and you should contact your Direct Supervisor to discuss the situation.
AUTHORIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITY
All travelers are required to have both a valid driver’s license, and personal
automobile insurance, before driving on Company business, and/or seeking
reimbursement for mileage expenses. Travel for staff must be authorized by his or
her Direct Supervisor. Upon completion of the trip, and based on the Report
Submission Policy and Procedure, the traveler must submit a Mileage
Reimbursement Form (“Form”) to obtain reimbursement of expenses. Travel
reimbursement should always be documented on the assigned Form.
It is unacceptable to approve your own Form. Your signature is required to confirm
that the information documented is correct. Once the Form is submitted to your
Direct Supervisor, he/she will confirm the information, sign off on it, and submit
the Form to the Finance Department (“Finance”).
If the Direct Supervisor is unavailable, the up-line manager can authorize the report.
Finance Department will pay completed reports, to the best of the department’s
ability, within thirty (30) days.
Reimbursement for usage of a personal automobile is based on Company mileage rates. While
the Company is not legally obligated to use IRS rates, it historically has reimbursed at this rate.
As of 01/14/2014, the rate is Fifty-Six Cents ($.56) per mile. This rate is subject to
change at any time, and will not exceed the IRS mileage rate.
All mileage Forms:
Must include your complete home mailing address. This will be the same
address listed in your employee file. If not, it will be returned for
corrections.
Must be for the current month based on your submission date. There will
be no exceptions for not submitting your mileage report within a timely
manner. If you do not, you will need to file the expense with your yearly
taxes, as expense reports that are sixty (60) days or older are considered
untimely and will not be paid. Expense reports should be submitted at
least monthly.
All submissions must be forwarded as an attachment, via email only, to
your Direct Supervisor. You will need to sign the form electronically
before emailing it, or it will be returned.
46 | P a g e
Mileage Reimbursement Continued…
Expense reports are processed on non-payroll weeks, and Accounts
Payable will reimburse the expense within thirty (30) days of receiving the
expense report.
HOW TO CALCULATE MILES FOR REIMBURSEMENT
To properly calculate your reimbursable incremental miles, take the total amount
of miles driven that date, less your average roundtrip miles to perform your typical
office commute. For example, if you live twenty (20) miles away from your office
and drove fifty (50) miles that day, you would take fifty (50) miles, less forty (40)
miles (roundtrip), and would be reimbursed for the incremental miles (ten (10)
miles in this example) incurred.
The total incremental miles driven will need to be multiplied by the approved
mileage reimbursement rate of Fifty-Six Cents ($.56).
The Form also has options for the physician/location you cover. This must be
selected for each line item entered. If you do not choose a physician/location, the
Form will be returned to you for corrections, and this may cause a delay in receiving
your reimbursement.
The Form has a cell for your daily commute average. You can update this number
if you move, or if your job location changes. You can take an average if you work
at more than one location in your role, and so long as your Direct Supervisor
approves of the calculation.
Always confirm your totals are correct prior to submission. If they are not, and the Form is submitted, it will be returned to you for corrections, and this may cause a
delay in receiving your reimbursement. If you have a special circumstance, or are a floating staff member, please speak to
your Direct Supervisor for consideration. The intention is to reimburse for miles
beyond what you would typically drive in a day.
47 | P a g e
Travel Expenses
The Company will reimburse employees for all necessary and reasonable travel expenses related
to the normal conduct of business. This policy provides general guidelines for reimbursement of
business related travel, meals, and entertainment expenses. Employees should be cost conscious
while traveling and incurring expenses on the Company’s behalf. If you have any questions
regarding this policy, consult with your manager.
All travel and expenses must be pre-approved by your manager. Unauthorized travel and
expenses may not be reimbursable.
All expenses must be completed and submitted within thirty (30) days of travel.
Expenses submitted outside this timeframe may be rejected.
Expense reports are processed on non-payroll weeks, and Accounts Payable will
reimburse the expense within thirty (30) days of receiving the expense report.
Travel and expenses must include an original and itemized receipt for any expense over
Ten Dollars ($10.00) USD. Expenses over Ten Dollars ($10.00) without an itemized
receipt may be rejected.
When booking flights, employees are encouraged to book travel two (2) weeks in
advance, and to book the lowest possible airfare.
The guideline for meal reimbursement is Forty-Five Dollars ($45.00) per day. Alcohol is
excluded. On the first and the last day of travel, the employee can only be reimbursed
for 75% of the per diem rate. In other words, the traveler will be reimbursed no more than
Thirty-Three Dollars and Seventy-Five Cents ($33.75) on the first and last days of travel.
While entertaining employees and/or clients, if a Company employee is expected to pay,
the most senior individual in attendance should pay the bill. All names of attendees and
company names must be noted on the receipt.
The guideline for hotel reimbursement is up to One Hundred Twenty-Five Dollars
($125.00) USD per night. If the hotel charge is over One Hundred Twenty-Five dollars
($125.00) USD, the amount will need justification. Fax charges, copy charges, high
speed Internet connection, and telephone calls will be reimbursed only if business related;
charges for in-room movies, laundry service, fees for use of exercise clubs, or other non-
business related fees, will not be reimbursed.
Tipping should conform to general business custom, such as twenty percent (20%) for
meals, and Two Dollars ($2.00) per bag for baggage handling. Excessive amounts will
not be reimbursed.
Cabs and taxi fares to or from the airport are allowable. When available, airport shuttles
to hotels should be used.
Travel via the employee’s own personal vehicle will be reimbursed at the rate allowed by IRS guidelines.
When available, employees should rent economy, small, or medium sized cars. The
collision waiver insurance for rental cars will not be reimbursed. Always refill the gas
tank before returning the rental car.
48 | P a g e
Religious Accommodation
The Company respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees, and will make, upon
reasonable request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation
is available that does not create an undue hardship on the Company’s business.
CompanyProperty/Premises
The Company reserves the right to inspect and search you and your belongings, which have been
brought onto its property. The Company reserves the right to remove or recover, without notice,
any of its intellectual or other property, including all documents and devices in which it holds a
proprietary, copyright, trade secret, or confidential commercial interest. This includes any
Company property which has been provided to or for you, or was created or developed by you
during your employment, including the contents of electronic messaging systems, and voice mail
messages.
“Company property” means all property that is owned, leased, rented, or has been otherwise paid
for, or furnished by the Company. Examples include:
offices and office contents, such as desks, files (electronic and paper), art work, credenzas,
and other furniture;
computers, computer hardware and software, cellular telephones, the contents of electronic
storage and memory devices, and the devices themselves;
books, manuals, procedures, standards, guides, and other documents relating to the
Company, its clients and employees, or the manner in which it conducts its business; and
the spaces, places, and things used to transact or conduct business or business-related
activities, such as meetings or entertaining, or any other facilities, including halls, dining
rooms, planes, and training or educational venues.
All Company property must be returned to the Company within five (5) days of an employee’s
termination of employment.
Termination of Employment
The Company requests that if you decide to terminate your service with the Company for any
reason, you provide a written notice of at least two (2) weeks.
Employment by the Company can be terminated at the will of either the employee or the Company.
Any Company property issued to you must be returned at the time of your termination, resignation,
or whenever requested by your manager.
49 | P a g e
Termination of Employment Continued…
It may be helpful to know the following:
the company pays up to one week (forty (40) hours) of accrued PDO time at separation
for voluntary separations;
any money owed to the Company at the time of termination will be deducted from
employee’s final check; and
full time employees participating in the group benefit plans may be eligible for the
continuation of their group insurance at their cost (COBRA coverage). More details on
COBRA can be found in Exhibit “B” in the back of this Handbook.
50 | P a g e
Chapter 7
Exhibits
51 | P a g e
Exhibit “A” - Harassment Awareness Policy
We are committed to creating a professional and productive work environment where you are
treated with respect and dignity. The Company prohibits conduct of any kind that disrupts or
interferes with another person’s work performance, and/or work environment, especially where
that conduct could constitute discrimination, or harassment. Harassment, and/or discrimination
against an individual or group on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, citizenship, disability or handicap, genetic
information, veteran status, military service, or any other legally protected status, is prohibited at
the Company.
This policy applies to all persons involved in the operations of the Company, and prohibits
discrimination, and/or harassment by any employee of the Company. The Company’s policy also
prohibits discrimination and harassment by vendors or clients, and prohibits you from
discriminating against, and/or harassing vendors or clients. If discrimination, and/or harassment
occur on the job, whether on or off the premises, or by someone not employed by the Company,
the procedures in this policy should be followed.
Prohibited discrimination and/or harassment by you or others include(s) behavior such as:
verbal conduct such as epithets, derogatory comments, jokes, or slurs based on an
individual’s membership in a protected category;
visual conduct such as derogatory posters, photography, cartoons, screensavers, drawings,
or gestures based on an individual’s membership in a protected category;
sending E-mails that contain discriminatory, and/or harassing content based on a protected
category; and/or
retaliation for making discrimination, and/or harassment reports, or threatening to report
discrimination, and/or harassment.
The Company is likewise committed to providing a work environment free of sexual harassment,
and all forms or sexual harassment is prohibited. The Company’s Sexual Harassment Policy
applies to all persons involved in the operations of the Company, and prohibits sexual harassment
by any employee of the Company. The Company’s policy also prohibits sexual harassment by
vendors, or clients, and prohibits you from discriminating against, and/or harassing, vendors or
clients. If sexual harassment occurs on the job, whether on or off the premises, or by someone not
employed by the Company, the procedures in this policy should be followed.
Sexual harassment is defined as unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or visual,
verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
submission to such conduct is made a term or condition of employment;
52 | P a g e
Harassment Awareness Policy Continued…
submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for employment decisions
affecting the individual; and/or
such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an employee’s
work performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working
environment.
The following is a partial list of prohibited behaviors:
unwelcome sexual advances or propositions;
offering employment benefits in exchange for sexual favors;
making or threatening reprisals after a negative response to a sexual advance;
visual conduct, such as leering, making sexual gestures, and/or displaying sexually
suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons, or posters;
verbal conduct such as making or using derogatory comments, epithets, slurs, or sexually
explicit jokes;
comments about another employee’s body or dress;
verbal abuse of a sexual nature, use of sexually degrading words to describe an individual,
suggestive or obscene letters, notes, or invitations, or sexually offensive emails;
repeated requests for dates;
touching, such as rubbing or massaging an individual’s neck or shoulders, stroking
someone’s hair, or brushing against another’s body;
grabbing, groping, kissing, fondling, impeding, or blocking movements;
gesturing sexually;
graphic and/or offensive E-mails or voice-mail messages;
visiting sites that depict pornographic and/or materials of a sexual nature;
questions about one’s sex life or experiences;
retaliation for making sexual harassment reports, or threatening to report sexual
harassment; and/or
any other conduct or behavior of a sexual nature deemed inappropriate by the Company.
You are expected to act professionally at all times, and you must avoid conduct of any kind that
disrupts or interferes with another person’s work performance, and/or work environment. If you
have been discriminated against or harassed in violation of this policy, you should follow the
Complaint Procedure below for investigating and resolving such complaints.
53 | P a g e
Harassment Awareness Policy Continued…
Steps to Report Harassment:
We are committed to investigating and resolving reports or complaints of workplace
discrimination, and/or harassment. You should immediately report any potential discrimination,
and/or or harassment, to your supervisor, the director of HR, or the VP of Operations. If your
harasser is your supervisor, you must report the harassment to the next level of management, and/or
the HR Department. If you are not comfortable reporting this conduct to management, you may
bypass this level and take your complaint to an executive of the Company.
Make Prompt Notification to:
1) Your manager;
2) VP of Operations; or
3) HR Director.
The Company does not require that you follow a specific chain of command when reporting
discriminatory acts. Thus, your only obligation is to report the misconduct as soon as possible in
the manner most comfortable for you.
If you believe you are subjected to discrimination and/or harassment, you should:
tell the discriminator/harasser to stop his/her unwanted behavior, if you feel comfortable
doing so; and
immediately report the alleged incident in the manner set forth above.
If you become aware of potentially discriminatory and/or harassing conduct engaged in or
experienced by another Company employee, you should immediately report that information to
your supervisor, a member of the HR Department, the COO, or the CEO.
The Company is committed to promptly and thoroughly investigate any reports or complaints of
discrimination or harassment, and will take appropriate remedial action to resolve the problem.
To help with the investigation, you should provide the Company with a detailed account of the
events which you believe constitutes the alleged discrimination or harassment. The Company will
maintain confidentiality to the extent practicable and appropriate under the circumstances.
54 | P a g e
Harassment Awareness Policy Continued…
The Company strictly prohibits retaliation against any person by another employee, or by the
Company for using this complaint procedure, reporting alleged discrimination or harassment, or
for filing, testifying, assisting, or participating in any manner in any investigation, including an
investigation, proceeding, or hearing conducted by a governmental enforcement agency. If you
are found to have engaged in unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, you will be
subject to disciplinary action up to and including, termination of your employment. No special
treatment will be given based on employment level, position, or status of the alleged harasser. If
you engage in discrimination or harassment, you could also be held personally liable for monetary
damages.
The Company does not consider conduct in violation of this policy to be within the course and
scope of your employment or the direct consequence of the discharge of your duties. Accordingly,
to the extent permitted by law, the Company reserves the right not to provide a defense or pay
damages assessed against you for conduct in violation of this policy.
If you are dissatisfied with the outcome or resolution of a harassment investigation, you have the
right to question the decision. You should submit concerns in writing within two (2) weeks
following being informed of the outcome. Your comments should be sent to the CEO, or COO of
the Company.
55 | P a g e
Exhibit “B” - Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)
In accordance with federal law, most employer's sponsored group medical plans are required to
offer employees and their families the opportunity for temporary extension of medical coverage.
This “continuation coverage” is offered at group rates in certain instances where coverage under
the plan would otherwise end. This notice is intended to inform you, in a summary fashion, of
your rights and obligations under the continuation coverage provisions of the law.
You and your family have the right to choose this continuation coverage if you lose your group
medical coverage because of a reduction in your hours of employment, or the termination of your
employment (for any reason other than gross misconduct on your part).
Under federal law, the employee or family member must inform the Company’s plan administrator
of a divorce, legal separation or loss of dependent status in writing within sixty (60) days after the
occurrence of the event. When the plan administrator is notified that one of these events has
happened, the plan administrator will notify the qualified individual of the right to choose
continuation coverage. The individual has sixty (60) days from the date coverage would be lost
because of the events described above, to inform the plan administrator that continuation coverage
is desired.
If continuation coverage is not chosen, your group medical insurance coverage will end, and you
will not be allowed to participate in or re-enroll for any of the Company’s insurance programs. If
continuation coverage is chosen, the Company is required to give coverage which is identical to
the coverage provided under the group plan. The Company is required by federal law to provide
you the opportunity to maintain continuation coverage for thirty-six (36) months, unless group
medical coverage is lost because of the termination of your employment or a reduction in your
hours. In that case, the required continuation coverage period is eighteen (18) months. (The
eighteen (18) month continuation coverage period will be extended to twenty-nine (29) months if
you are determined by social security to be disabled at the time of your termination of employment,
or reduction in hours). However, federal law also provides that continuation coverage may be cut
short for other reasons. Please see the HR Department for details.
Under federal law, you have to pay all of your premiums for your continuation coverage under
COBRA. At the end of the eighteen (18) month or thirty-six (36) month continuation coverage
period, you can enroll in an individual conversion medical plan, if one is provided under the
Company medical insurance plan. A full statement of your rights to COBRA continuation
coverage is included with the materials describing your group medical insurance.
56 | P a g e
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) Continued…
It is your responsibility to maintain all of your insurance plans, and to timely report any changes
or errors to the Company.
Remember: Failure to report changes to your personnel file may result in termination of coverage.
It is your responsibility to maintain the accuracy of the information in your personnel file and
payroll record. Pursuant to federal law, the Company is only required to send information on
continuation of coverage and benefits to your last known address. Accordingly, if you move and
fail to notify the HR Department, you could fail to receive important information, and your
right to continuation of medical coverage (and/or coverage for your dependents) could be
lost.
57 | P a g e
Exhibit “C” - Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
An eligible employee has to be employed twelve (12) months and have worked one thousand two
hundred fifty (1250) hours in the preceding year to qualify for leave under FMLA. FMLA provides
up to twelve (12) weeks off for a variety of covered reasons including:
Birth of a child and to care for a newborn child, providing the leave is completed within
twelve (12) months of birth;
Placement of a child with the employee for adoption or foster care, providing the leave is
completed within twelve (12) months of placement;
To care for a spouse, child, or parent (family member) with a serious health condition as
supported by medical certification;
For the employee’s own serious health condition that makes the employee unable to
perform the functions of the employee’s job as supported by medical certification;
Qualifying Exigency Leave, where the employee’s spouse, parent, or son/daughter (of
any age) is called to active duty in support of a contingency operation; applies to
National Guard and Reserves, and to members of the regular armed forces who are called
to service in a foreign country;
Military Caregiver Leave, to care for current member of armed forces who has a serious
injury or illness incurred in the line of duty (this provision provides up to twenty-six (26)
weeks of leave);
If the leave is planned in advance you must provide the Company at least thirty (30)
days’ notice prior to the anticipated leave date;
If leave is unexpected, you should notify your supervisor and HR as far in advance of the
anticipated leave as practicable;
Continuation of group insurance benefits during leave: During qualified FMLA leave, the
Company will continue to maintain your group insurance (medical, dental, life and
disability coverage) that you were already participating in at the time of leave.
However, you must agree to repay the “employee’s portion” of these deductions, as well
as any other voluntary deductions upon your return to work or via check if you elect not
to return to work. A payment plan can be worked out to take the deductions back over a
several month period or you can pay monthly during your leave; and
Time out on FMLA runs concurrently with other leave policies (short term disability,
PDO etc…) and is generally unpaid unless you substitute paid leave for time away.
An employee who returns to work within the eligible FMLA period will generally be entitled to
reinstatement into a comparable position with all terms equivalent to the position held prior to
FMLA. An employee who does not return prior to the end of the eligible FMLA period will not
have job protection beyond that period. The Company reserves the right to require medical
documentation that an employee has been released back to work and/or is fit for duty before the
employee may return to work. For further information regarding your specific coverage for
FMLA, contact HR.
58 | P a g e
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Continued…
Under the FMLA, the terms son and daughter include biological, adopted or foster children, a
stepchild, legal ward, or child of a person standing in loco parentis. A child must either be under
eighteen (18) years of age, or eighteen (18) years of age or older and incapable of self-care because
of a mental or physical disability.
The term “parent” is defined as the biological parent of an employee or an individual who stands
or stood in loco parentis to an employee when the employee was under eighteen (18) or incapable
of self-care. The definition does not include parents-in-law.
The FMLA defines serious health condition as an illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental
condition that involves:
inpatient care (i.e., an overnight stay) in a hospital, hospice, or residential medical care
facility, including any period of incapacity; or
continuing treatment by a health care provider.
A serious health condition involving continuing treatment by a health care provider included:
a period of incapacity of more than three (3) consecutive calendar days and any subsequent
treatment or period of incapacity relating to the same condition that also involves:
- treatment two (2) or more times by a health care provider; or -
treatment by a health care provider on at least one (1) occasion;
or - which results in a regimen of continuing treatment.
a period of incapacity due to pregnancy or for prenatal care;
a period of incapacity or treatment for a “chronic” serious health condition that requires
periodic visits for treatment by a health care provider, continues over an extended period,
and may cause episodic rather than a continuing period of incapacity (e.g., asthma,
diabetes, epilepsy);
a period of incapacity that is permanent or long term due to a condition for which treatment
may not be effective. The employee or family member need not be receiving active
treatment by a health care provider (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, severe stroke, terminal
cancer); and
a period of absence to receive multiple treatments for an injury or condition which would
result in incapacity of more than three (3) days if not treated (e.g., chemotherapy or
radiation for cancer, physical therapy for severe arthritis, or dialysis for kidney disease).
59 | P a g e
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Continued…
The term “health care provider” is defined as:
a doctor of medicine or osteopathy authorized to practice medicine or surgery by the state
in which the doctor practices;
a podiatrist, dentist, clinical psychologist, optometrist or chiropractor (limited to manual
manipulation of the spine to correct a sublimation as demonstrated by X-ray to exist)
authorized to practice and performing within the scope of their practice, under state law;
a nurse practitioner, nurse-midwife or clinical social worker authorized to practice, and
performing within the scope of their practice, as defined under state law;
a Christian Science practitioner listed with the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston,
Massachusetts; or
a health care provider recognized by the employer or the employer’s group health plan
benefits supervisor.
60 | P a g e
Exhibit “D” – Break Time for Nursing Mothers Policy
The federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which became effective March 23, 2010
amended the Fair Labor Standards Act to require employers to provide a nursing mother
reasonable break time to express breast milk after the birth of her child. The law is enforced by
the United States Department of Labor (DOL).
In keeping with the Fair Labor Standards Act, all female faculty who breastfeed their child
(collectively referred to herein as “nursing mothers”) will be provided reasonable break times to
express milk throughout the day, each time they need to express milk, for as long as the employee
has a need to express milk. The Company will also provide appropriate private areas, other than
bathrooms, for this purpose. The area provided, if not dedicated to the nursing mother’s use, will
be made available when needed by the employee. The area provided will be shielded from view,
and free from any intrusion from co-workers and the public.
Nursing mothers, who need to express milk during the working day, should contact their
supervisor, and/or Human Resources. Working with the nursing mother, the supervisor or
departmental administrator will provide reasonable break times and identify an appropriate
location. If possible, break times may be taken during regularly scheduled meal and rest breaks.
The Company is not required to compensate nursing mothers for breaks taken for the purpose of
expressing milk. Where the Company already provides compensated breaks, an employee who
uses that break time to express milk must be compensated in the same way that other employees
are compensated for break time. In addition, the FLSA general requirement that the employee
must be completely relieved from duty or else the time must be compensated as work time applies.
If the nursing mother is a non-exempt (hourly) employee and her breaks exceeds twenty (20)
minutes, her supervisor should make a good faith effort to permit the nursing mother to make up
time. Nursing mothers who are exempt under the FLSA will not have pay docked for taking a
break to express milk.
61 | P a g e
Exhibit “E” - Military Leave
The Federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (“USERRA”)
provides job protection and rights of reinstatement to employees who participate in the National
Guard and Reserve. A military leave of absence will be granted to full-time regular and part-time
regular employees who qualify under USERRA to attend scheduled drills and training or if called
to active duty with the United States armed services.
Eligibility
If you have to be absent from your employment because of service in the “Uniformed Services”
you are entitled to certain protections under USERRA.
“Uniformed Services” consists of:
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard;
Army Reserve, Naval Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard
Reserve;
Army National Guard;
Air National Guard;
Commission Corps of the Public Health Service; or
any other category of persons designated by the President in time of war or national
emergency.
If you serve in one of the qualifying uniformed services, you will be ineligible for USERRA’s
protections if you were:
separated from service with a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge;
separated from service under other than honorable conditions, defined by the regulations
of the pertinent military branch;
a commissioned officer and were dismissed in a situation involving a court martial or by
order of the President in wartime; or
dropped from the rolls when you were absent without authority for more than three (3)
months or you were imprisoned by a civilian court.
Covered Service
“Service” is the performance of duty on a voluntary or involuntary basis in a Uniformed Serviced
including:
active duty;
active duty for training;
62 | P a g e
Military Leave Continued…
initial active duty for training;
inactive duty training;
full-time National Guard duty;
absence from work for a fitness-for-duty examination; or
funeral honors duty performed by members of the reserve or National Guard.
Re-employment Rights
USERRA allows a five (5) year cumulative length of absence for military service with a single
employer. However, the following types of service are not counted towards this five (5) year
period:
service beyond five (5) years that is required to complete an initial period of obligated
service;
service from which you, through no fault of your own, are unable to obtain a release within
the five (5) year period;
required training for National Guard members and reservists, and additional training
certified by the Secretary of Defense as necessary for professional development;
service under an order to report for or stay on active duty during a domestic emergency or
situations related to national security;
service under an order to report for or stay on active duty (other than training) because of
a war or national emergency declared by Congress or the President;
service under an order to active duty (other than training) by volunteers supporting
operational missions for which selected reservists have been ordered to involuntary active
duty;
service under an order to active duty by volunteers supporting a critical mission or
requirement of the armed services; or
federal service as a member of the National Guard called into action by the President to
suppress an insurrection, repel an invasion or carry out the laws of the United States.
Under USERRA, the Company is not required to reemploy a reservist who is otherwise
qualified for reemployment when:
the Company’s circumstances have changed so as to make your reemployment impossible
or unreasonable;
63 | P a g e
Military Leave Continued…
your service-related disabilities are such that qualifying or accommodating you would
impose an undue hardship on the Company; or
your pre-service employment was in a brief or non-recurrent position and you had no
reasonable expectation that the employment would continue for a significant or indefinite
period.
If you are absent because of military service, you are to be treated as if you are on a leave of
absence. As such, you are entitled to the same rights and benefits as other employees with similar
tenure, status and pay who take a leave of absence. If you are re-employed, you will only receive
the rights and benefits that you would have been eligible for had you not taken time for military
service.
Pay While on Leave
USERRA does not require that a reservist employee be paid while on eligible leave. However, if
you are eligible, the Company will pay the difference between your base salary and the pay you
receive from the relevant uniformed service for annual two (2) week training periods. In addition,
in case of active duty, the Company will pay the difference between your salary and the pay you
receive from the relevant uniformed service for your entire period of active duty.
Benefits While on Leave
You will continue to receive certain Company benefits while you are on active duty, subject to
your applicable contributions at the same contribution level as those who are not on military leave.
Discrimination and Retaliation
If you are a member of, apply to be, perform, or you have performed or applied to perform service
in a uniformed service, you cannot be denied initial employment, reemployment, retention,
promotion or other benefits of employment on the basis of membership or performance.
Discrimination is prohibited against you because you have acted to enforce a provision of
USERRA; testified or made a statement in connection with USERRA; assisted or participated in
an investigation under USERRA; or exercised a right guaranteed by USERRA. This prohibition
applies to all employees, whether or not they have served in the uniformed services.
If you believe you have been subjected to unlawful discrimination or retaliation, you must
immediately notify your supervisor, a member of the HR Department, or the Company President.
You must comply with the following requirements while you are on military leave:
64 | P a g e
Military Leave Continued…
Notice
To be eligible for USERRA protection, if you are a reservist, you must provide advance written or
oral notice of military service to the Company. The actual notice may be given by you or by an
appropriate officer of your branch of service. However, notice is not required if “military
necessity” precludes it or if provision of notice is impossible or unreasonable.
Returning to Work
The time limits for reporting back to work at the end of active duty depend upon the duration of
your military service:
Service for less than thirty-one (31) days: You must report to work no later than the
beginning of the first full regularly scheduled work day on the first full calendar day after
you complete military service. However, a period of eight (8) hours must have passed
between your return home and the time you must report to work.
Service of thirty-one (31) to one hundred eighty (180) days: You must submit an
application for reemployment no later than fourteen (14) days after you are released from
service.
Service of one hundred eighty-one (181) or more days: You must submit an
application for reemployment no later than ninety (90) days after the completion of
military service.
Hospitalized Colleagues: If you are reservist and you are hospitalized or convalescing
from an illness or injury incurred in or aggravated by your military service, you have up
to two (2) years to report to the Company or submit an application for reemployment.
The two (2) year period is extended by the minimum time required to accommodate
circumstances beyond your control that make reporting within two (2) years impossible.
Missed Deadlines: If you miss your deadline for reporting or applying you do not
automatically lose your reemployment rights, but you may be disciplined for an
unexcused absence.
If you have been absent for more than thirty-one (31) days, the Company has the right to
request documentation to prove that your application is timely, that you have not exceeded the
five (5) year service limitation and that you did not leave the service for a disqualifying reason.
65 | P a g e
Exhibit “F” - Drug-Free Workplace Policy
Announced: October 20, 2011 / Effective: November 1, 2011 / Revised: January 23, 2012
Purpose and Goal
Extremity Healthcare Inc. (“Extremity” or the “Company”) and its subsidiaries and managed
entities are committed to protecting the safety, health and well-being of all employees and other
individuals in our workplace. That commitment is jeopardized when any employee illegally uses
drugs on or off the job, comes to work under their influence, possesses, distributes or sells drugs
in the workplace, or abuses alcohol on the job. Alcohol abuse and drug use pose a significant
threat to our goals. Therefore, we have established a drug-free workplace program that balances
our respect for individuals with the need to maintain an alcohol and drug-free environment.
This policy recognizes that employee involvement with alcohol and other drugs can be
very disruptive, adversely affect the quality of work and performance of employees, pose
serious health risks to users and others, and have a negative impact on productivity and
morale.
The Company has no intention of interfering with the private lives of its employees
unless involvement with alcohol and other drugs off the job affects job performance or
public safety.
As a condition of employment, this Company requires that employees adhere to a strict
policy regarding the use and possession of drugs and alcohol.
The Company encourages employees to voluntarily seek help with drug and alcohol
problems.
The Company provides supervisors and employees with training on this Drug-Free
Workforce Policy and on the effects of drug and alcohol abuse.
This policy is intended to further the purpose and goal of Georgia’s Drug-Free Workplace
Programs (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-410, et seq.), which is “to promote drug-free workplaces in order that
employers in this state be afforded the opportunity to maximize their levels of productivity,
enhance their competitive positions in the marketplace, and reach their desired levels of success
without experiencing the costs, delays, and tragedies associated with work related accidents
resulting from substance abuse by employees.”
The following behaviors are prohibited by the Company:
use of illegal drugs;
abuse of legal drugs and alcohol;
sale, purchase, transfer or possession of illegal or “look-a-like” drugs or alcohol;
sale or transfer of prescription drugs;
66 | P a g e
Drug-Free Workplace Policy Continued…
reporting for work under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol; and
obtaining unauthorized prescriptions through the Company.
Covered Workers
Any individual who conducts business for the Company, is applying for a position, or is conducting
business on the Company’s property is covered by our drug-free workplace policy. Our policy
includes, but is not limited to physicians, associate physicians, executive management, managers,
supervisors, full-time employees, part-time employees, contractors and interns.
For the purposes of this policy, the use of the term “employee” herein shall include the Company’s
physicians, associate physicians, executive management, managers, supervisors, full-time
employees, part-time employees, contractors, independent contractors, temporaries provided by
agencies, and interns.
Prohibited Behavior Illegal Drugs
No employee may use, possess, sell, trade, offer for sale, and/or offer to buy illegal drugs
or intoxicants or otherwise engage in the illegal use of drugs or intoxicants on or off the
job.
No employee may report to work under the influence of or while possessing in his or her
body, blood, or urine illegal drugs in any detectable amount.
No employee may use prescription drugs illegally, i.e., to use prescription drugs that have
not been legally obtained or in a manner or for a purpose other than as prescribed.
For the purposes of this policy, illegal drugs include controlled substances not obtained legally
Amphetamines, Cannabinoids (THC), Cocaine, Opiates, Phencyclidine (PCP), Barbiturates,
Benzodiazepines, Methaqualone, Methadone and Propoxyphene), prescription controlled
substances which have not been specifically prescribed by a health care provider for specific
treatment purposes for the employee, and “look-a-like” preparations which are believed to be
illegal drugs.
Legal Drugs
Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are not prohibited when taken in standard dosage
and/or according to a physician’s prescription. Any employee taking prescribed or over
the-counter medications will be responsible for consulting the prescribing physician
and/or pharmacist to ascertain whether the medication may interfere with safe
performance of his/ her job.
67 | P a g e
Drug-Free Workplace Policy Continued…
If the use of a medication could compromise the safety of the employee, fellow
employees, or our customers, it is the employee’s responsibility to use appropriate
personnel procedures (e.g., Notify supervisor, use leave, or request change of duty) to
avoid unsafe workplace practices.
The illegal or unauthorized use of prescription drugs is prohibited.
No employee may intentionally misuse and/or abuse prescription medications.
Alcohol
No employee may report to work under the influence of or impaired by alcohol.
Alcohol may not be consumed in any Company facility.
No employee may intentionally misuse and/or abuse alcohol.
Employees should exercise moderation if they consume alcoholic beverages while
traveling or conducting Company business so that their actions do not represent a liability
to themselves, to other employees, or to the Company’s reputation.
Vehicles rented for Company business, or personal or other vehicles used in the conduct
of Company business, shall not be operated by an employee whose ability to drive may
be impaired by alcohol.
Consumption or possession of open containers of alcoholic beverages in vehicles rented
or owned by the Company or in personal or other vehicles used in the conduct of
Company business is prohibited.
Notification of Convictions
Any employee who is convicted of a criminal drug violation in the workplace must notify the
Company in writing within five calendar days of the conviction. The Company will take
appropriate action within thirty (30) days of notification.
Searches
Entering the Company’s property constitutes consent to searches and inspections. If an employee
is suspected of violating the drug-free workplace policy, he or she may be asked to submit to a
search or inspection at any time. Searches can be conducted of personal effects, desks, work
stations, vehicles and equipment.
Drug Testing General guidelines for drug testing under this policy
The substances that will be tested for are: Amphetamines, Cannabinoids (THC), Cocaine,
Opiates, Phencyclidine (PCP), Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Methaqualone, Methadone
and Propoxyphene.
Testing for the presence of the metabolites of drugs will be conducted by the analysis of
urine.
Testing for the presence of alcohol will be conducted by analysis of blood.
68 | P a g e
Drug-Free Workplace Policy Continued…
An employee will be subject to the same consequences of a positive test if he/she refuses
the drug screening or test, adulterates or dilutes the specimen, substitutes the specimen
with that from another from another person or sends an imposter, will not sign required
forms, or refuses to cooperate in the testing process in such a way that prevents completion
of the test.
To ensure the accuracy and fairness of our testing program, all drug testing will be conducted
according to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guidelines
where applicable and will include a screening test; a confirmation test; the opportunity for a split
sample; review by a Medical Review Officer, including the opportunity for employees who test
positive to provide a legitimate medical explanation, such as a physician’s prescription, for the
positive result; and a documented chain of custody.
Pre-Employment Drug Testing
All job applicants at this Company who have received a conditional offer of employment or who
have been offered a contract opportunity to perform work at the Company shall undergo testing
for the presence of illegal drugs as a condition of employment.
Applicants shall complete the “Pre-Employment Drug Testing Consent and Release Form”
(“Consent Agreement”) included in this Policy prior to testing.
Applicants will be required to submit voluntarily to a urinalysis test at a laboratory chosen by this
Company, and by signing the Consent Agreement will release this Company from liability.
Testing must be completed successfully prior to beginning the first day of employment or contract
start.
Any applicant with a confirmed positive test will be denied employment.
If the physician, official, or lab personnel has reasonable suspicion to believe that the job
applicant has tampered with the specimen, the applicant will not be considered for
employment.
This Company will not discriminate against applicants for employment because of a past
history of drug abuse.
It is the current abuse of drugs, preventing employees from performing their job
properly, that this Company will not tolerate.
Employee Drug Testing
This Company has adopted testing practices to identify employees who use illegal drugs on or off
the job or who abuse alcohol on the job. It shall be a condition of employment for all employees
to submit to substance abuse testing under the following circumstances:
69 | P a g e
Drug-Free Workplace Policy Continued…
1. Reasonable Suspicion Testing
Applicability
Whenever reasonable suspicion exists to believe an employee is using or has used drugs or
alcohol.
Definition and Guidelines
“Reasonable suspicion” is based on a belief that an employee is using or has used drugs or
alcohol in violation of this policy, drawn from specific objective and articulable facts and
reasonable inferences made from those facts in light of experience. Among other things,
such facts and inferences may be based upon, but not limited to, the following:
observable phenomena while at work, such as direct observation of substance abuse
or of the physical symptoms or manifestations of being impaired due to substance
abuse;
abnormal conduct or erratic behavior while at work or a significant deterioration in
work performance;
incoherent mental state;
a report of substance abuse provided by a reliable and credible source;
a report of alcohol use provided by a reliable and credible source;
evidence that an individual has tampered with any substance abuse test during his or
her employment;
information that an employee has caused or contributed to an accident while at work;
or
evidence that an employee has used, possessed, sold, solicited, or transferred drugs
while working or while on the employer’s premises or while operating the employer’s
vehicle, machinery, or equipment.
Procedures to follow when Reasonable Suspicion identified
Any employee or supervisor having reasonable suspicions about a co-worker should report
the concerns to a Human Resource representative or senior-level manager immediately.
Employees and/or co-workers should not confront an individual they believe is under the
influence of drugs or alcohol. If possible, the employee’s supervisor will first seek another
supervisor’s opinion to confirm the employee’s status. If, in the opinion of the supervisor,
the employee is considered impaired, the employee will be sent home or to a medical
facility by taxi or other safe transportation alternative – depending on the determination of
the observed impairment – and accompanied by the supervisor or another employee if
necessary. An impaired employee will not be allowed to drive. Additional appropriate
70 | P a g e
Drug-Free Workplace Policy Continued…
steps may be taken, including seeking help through the Employee Assistance Program
(EAP) or other resource and making arrangements for drug and/or alcohol testing.
2. Post-Accident Testing
Applicability
When an employee has caused or contributed to an on-the-job injury that resulted in a
loss of work time, which means any period of time during which an employee stops
performing the normal duties of employment and leaves the place of employment to
seek care from a licensed medical provider.
When an employee is involved in an on-the-job accident where personal injury or
damage to company property occurs.
Post-accident testing will include testing for the presence of alcohol, in addition to testing for
the substances listed above in the “General guidelines for drug testing under this policy”
section above.
3. Post-Rehabilitation/Return-to-Duty testing
Applicability
As part of a follow-up program to treatment for drug abuse when an employee has
involuntarily entered a rehabilitation program because of a positive confirmed test
result.
The frequency of such testing shall be a minimum of at least once a year for a two year
period after completion of the rehabilitation program. Advance notice of testing shall not
be given to the employee.
4. Periodic/Routine Fitness-for-Duty testing
Applicability
When a substance abuse test is conducted as part of a routinely scheduled employee
fitness-for-duty medical examination that is part of the employer’s established policy
or that is scheduled routinely for all members of an employment classification or
group.
Opportunity to Contest or Explain Test Results
Employees and job applicants who have a positive confirmed test result may explain or
contest the result to the Company within five (5) working days after the Company contacts
71 | P a g e
Drug-Free Workplace Policy Continued…
the employee or job applicant and shows him/her the positive test result as it was received
from the laboratory in writing.
Consequences of a Positive Drug or Alcohol Test
One of the goals of our drug-free workplace program is to encourage employees to
voluntarily seek help with alcohol and/or drug problems. If, however, an individual violates
the policy, the consequences are serious.
Job Applicants
If a job applicant at this Company who has received a conditional offer of employment
or who has been offered a contract opportunity to perform work at the Company
violates the drug-free workplace policy, the offer of employment can be withdrawn.
The job applicant may reapply after one year and must present himself or herself drug-
free as demonstrated by urinalysis or other test selected by this Company.
Employees
If an employee violates the drug-free workplace policy, he or she will be subjected to
disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
Employees who have failed a drug test or who have a detectable level of alcohol or a
detectable level of illegal drugs in their system will not be permitted to work.
Employee’s suspended pending investigation of an incident related to this policy will
be placed on un-paid leave.
A job applicant or employee will be subject to the same consequences of a positive test if he/she
refuses the screening or the test, adulterates or dilutes the specimen, substitutes the specimen with
that from another person or sends an imposter, will not sign the required forms, or refuses to
cooperate in the testing process in such a way that prevents completion of the test.
Assistance
The Company recognizes that alcohol and drug abuse and addiction are treatable illnesses. We
also realize that early intervention and support improve the success of rehabilitation. To support
our employees, our Drug-Free Workplace Policy:
encourages employees to utilize the services of qualified professionals in the
community to assess the seriousness of suspected drug or alcohol problems and identify
appropriate sources of help;
allows the use of accrued paid leave while seeking treatment for alcohol and other
drug problems; and
offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefit for employees and their
dependents.
72 | P a g e
Drug-Free Workplace Policy Continued…
The EAP provides confidential assessment, referral, and short-term counseling for
employees who need or request it.
If an EAP referral to a treatment provider outside the EAP is necessary, costs may be
covered by the employee’s medical insurance, but the cost of such outside services is
ultimately the employee’s responsibility.
Confidentiality is assured. NO information regarding the nature of the personal
problem will be made available to the supervisors nor will it be included in the
permanent personnel file.
Participation in the EAP will not affect an employee’s career advancement or
employment, nor will it protect an employee from disciplinary action if substandard
job performance continues.
The EAP is a process used in conjunction with discipline; it is not a substitute for
discipline.
The EAP can be accessed by an employee through self-referral or through referral by
a supervisor.
Confidentiality
All information received by the Company through the drug-free workplace program is
confidential.
the confidentiality of any information received by the employer through a substance
abuse testing program shall be maintained, except as otherwise provided by law;
access to this information is limited to those who have a legitimate need to know in
compliance with relevant laws and management policies;
all drug-testing information will be maintained in separate confidential records apart
from an employee’s permanent personnel file; and
employee information learned of or obtained through an employee’s participation in
the EAP is confidential; NO information regarding the nature of the personal problem
will be made available to the supervisors nor will it be included in the permanent
personnel file.
73 | P a g e
Drug-Free Workplace Policy Continued…
Shared Responsibility
A safe and productive drug-free workplace is achieved through cooperation and shared
responsibility. Both employees and management have important roles to play. All employees are
required to not report to work or be subject to duty while their ability to perform job duties is
impaired due to on- or off-duty use of alcohol or other drugs.
In addition, employees are encouraged to:
be concerned about working in a safe environment;
support fellow workers in seeking help;
use the Employee Assistance Program; and report dangerous behavior to their supervisor.
It is the supervisor’s responsibility to:
inform employees of the Drug-Free Workplace Policy;
observe employee performance;
investigate reports of dangerous practices;
document negative changes and problems in performance;
counsel employees as to expected performance improvement;
refer employees to the Employee Assistance Program; and
clearly state consequences of policy violations.
Training and Communication
Communicating our drug-free workplace policy to both supervisors and employees is critical to
our success. To ensure all employees are aware of their role in supporting our drug-free workplace
program:
all employees will receive a written copy of the policy;
the policy will be reviewed in orientation sessions with new employees;
employee education on this policy, the dangers of alcohol and drug use, and the
availability of help will be provided to all employees on a yearly basis; and
very supervisor will receive annual training on this policy and on the effects of drugs and
alcohol to help him/her recognize and manage employees with alcohol and other drug
problems.
74 | P a g e
Exhibit “G” – Social Media Policy
The Company recognizes that online collaboration platforms are fundamentally changing the way
individuals and organizations communicate, and this policy is designed to offer practical guidance
for responsible, constructive communications via social media channels for employees of the
Company. Social Media is defined as: works of user-created video, audio, text or multimedia that
are published and shared in an electronic environment, such as a blog, wiki, instant messaging,
email, Facebook, LinkedIn, Myspace, Twitter, YouTube or others.
Objective
To establish practical, reasonable and enforceable guidelines by which our employees can conduct
responsible and constructive social media engagement in both official and unofficial forums.
Employees may use Social Media for personal use only during non-working time and in strict
compliance with all other terms of this and other Company policies.
Guidelines
The following are guidelines for Company employees who participate in social media. These
guidelines apply whether employees are posting to their own sites or commenting on other sites.
Follow all applicable Company policies already in place in regards to PHI, HIPAA and
IT. For example, you must follow the Company Confidentiality Agreement, IT Policy
and HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules.
Ensure that your social media activity does not interfere with your work commitments.
Patient privacy is of utmost concern. Do not share anything that can identify a patient or
otherwise constitutes disclosure of Personal Health Information of any of our patients.
Alert management if you see information posted by others, including patients themselves,
that is confidential.
Speak or comment in the first person if your connection to the Company is apparent.
Make it known that you are speaking on your own behalf and not on behalf of the
Company. A disclaimer should also be considered: “The views expressed in this [page,
site, etc.] are my own and do not reflect the views of my Company.”
Employees may not post any material that can be construed as confidential, disparaging,
controversial and not professionally appropriate where it references the Company or
competitor either directly or indirectly.
Be professional and use good judgment in your communications; errors, omissions or
unprofessional language or behavior reflecting poorly on you and the Company. Be
respectful and professional to fellow employees, business partners, competitors and
patients.
The Company discourages staff in management/supervisory roles from initiating “friend”
requests with employees whom they manage. Managers/supervisors may accept friend
75 | P a g e
Social Media Policy Continued…
requests if initiated by the employee, as long as the manager/supervisor does not believe it
will negatively impact the work relationship.
The Company strongly discourages “friending” of patients on social media websites.
Staff in patient care roles generally should not initiate or accept friend requests except in
unusual circumstances such as where an in-person friendship pre-dates the treatment
relationship.
You must use a personal e-mail account that is not affiliated with the Company as your
means of contact when using Social Media. Use of personal e-mail accounts serves to
prevent confusion and to eliminate any misperception that you are speaking on behalf of
the Company.
Employees shall not, at any time, violate the Company's policies against harassment and
discrimination or make false and malicious statements about Extremity Healthcare, Inc.,
its subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, attorneys, employees, successors and assigns,
and any and all related corporate entities, either orally, in writing or in any other form of
communication.
Employees must respect all copyright and other intellectual property laws. For the
Company's protection as well as your own, it is critical that you show proper respect for
the laws governing copyright, fair use of copyrighted material owned by others,
trademarks and other intellectual property, including the Company's own copyrights,
trademarks and brands.
76 | P a g e
Exhibit “H” – Conflict of Interest
The purpose of the Conflict of Interest policy is to protect the Company’s interests when it is
contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might: (1) benefit the private interest
of an employee, or authorized representative of the Company; (2) result in a possible excess benefit
transaction or decision; and/or (3) result in a biased decision that is not in the overall best interest
of the Company. While this policy applies to all Company matters, common areas where conflicts
of interest arise are, with vendor selection, marketing and charity initiatives, and hiring decisions.
AUTHORIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITY
Duty to Disclose in Advance
In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose
the existence of the potential conflict, and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to
the Chief Legal Officer (CLO), considering proposed transactions or arrangements. If the CLO is
not available, the Director of Human Resources (DHR) can assist. Disclosure of a potential conflict
of interest must be done in advance of making any commitments on behalf of the Company.
Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists
After disclosure of the potential conflict of interest and all material facts, the CLO or DHR will
consult with necessary individuals to reach a decision.
Procedures for Addressing the Conflict of Interest
a. An interested person may make a presentation to the CLO or DHR.
b. The CLO or DHR, if appropriate, will appoint a disinterested person or committee to
investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction, or arrangement.
c. After exercising due diligence, the CLO or DHR shall determine whether the Company
can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous transaction or arrangement from a
person or entity, that would not give rise to a conflict of interest.
d. If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably possible under
circumstances not producing a conflict of interest, the CLO or DHR shall determine
whether the transaction or arrangement is in the Company’s best interest, for its own
benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable. In conformity with the above determination,
the CLO or DHR shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or
arrangement.
Violations of the Conflict of Interest Policy
a. If the CLO or DHR has reasonable cause to believe an employee or authorized representative
has failed to disclose actual or possible conflicts of interest, the CLO or DHR shall inform
77 | P a g e
Conflict of Interest Continued…
the person(s) of the basis for such belief, and afford that person(s) an opportunity to explain
the alleged failure to disclose.
b. If the CLO or DHR determines the person(s) has failed to disclose an actual or possible
conflict of interest after an investigation of the matter, the Company shall take appropriate
disciplinary and corrective action, which may include, but is not limited to, termination.
Examples of a Conflict of Interest
a. An employee recommends entering into a contract with an entity in which they own a five
percent (5%) or more interest.
b. An employee would receive compensation or a kickback, for recommending a vendor.
c. A manager wishes to employ a relative, who would be a direct report to that manager.
d. An employee asks the Company to make a One Thousand Dollar ($1,000.00) donation to
charity, but does not disclose that he or she (or a relative) serves on the board for the
charity.
These are just a few examples, but is in no way all inclusive of all potential scenarios.
For the avoidance of doubt, all officers and the Board of Directors are required to abide by this
same policy as well.
78 | P a g e
Receipt of Employee Handbook
I have been provided access to this Handbook and understand I am responsible for reading and
understanding its contents and Exhibits. I understand that this version of the “employee handbook”
supersedes any earlier versions.
I understand that this Handbook is presented for information purposes only and can be changed at
any time by the Company with or without notice. I also understand that this Handbook is a not a
contract, express or implied, between myself and the Company, nor shall it be construed to create
such a contract. I understand that I am an employee-at-will, and either the Company or I can
terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without
notice. I understand that despite any other changes which may be made to the Handbook, only the
Chief Executive Officer has the authority to change the at-will nature of my employment and to
do so, it must be in writing and signed by him. I am also responsible to check for updates regarding
this Employee Handbook through Human Resources, or on the website portal.
If I have questions, I will see the Human Resource Director.
Signature:
Name: (Please Print)
Date: